Atherosclerosis, the build-up of fatty deposits and plaque in the arteries, is a leading cause of death in the modern world. While often associated with sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets, evidence of this condition has been found in human remains dating back thousands of years. Surprisingly, a recent study has revealed that even ancient populations with diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids were not immune to the development of clogged arteries.
Findings from Ancient Mummies
Scans of mummified Inuits from 16th-century Greenland have revealed a surprising discovery – despite living on a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources, these ancient hunters suffered from clogged arteries. Researchers from Ascension Healthcare in Milwaukee, led by cardiologist L. Samuel Wann, studied four incredibly well-preserved Inuit mummies from the 1500s, found on the island of Uunartaq off the coast of Greenland. Using CT scans, they were able to examine the mummies’ insides and found that three of the four had clear evidence of calcified plaque buildup in their arteries.
The Mystery of Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in fish and other marine life, have long been touted for their potential to protect against plaque buildup in the arteries. These essential fatty acids are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to improve cholesterol profiles, making them a dietary staple recommended for heart health. However, the surprising findings from these ancient Inuit mummies suggest that even a diet rich in omega-3s may not be a guarantee against the development of atherosclerosis.
This discovery has left researchers puzzled, as the Inuit’s traditional subsistence lifestyle and omega-3-heavy diet was previously thought to provide natural protection against cardiovascular disease. The presence of calcified plaque in the mummies’ arteries indicates that other complex factors, beyond just diet, likely play a role in the progression of this condition. Researchers now caution that the relationship between omega-3 consumption and heart health may be more nuanced than previously believed, warranting further investigation into the multifaceted causes of atherosclerosis throughout human history.
Unanswered Questions
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in fish and other marine life, have long been touted for their potential to protect against plaque buildup in the arteries. These essential fatty acids are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to improve cholesterol profiles, making them a dietary staple recommended for heart health. However, the surprising findings from these ancient Inuit mummies suggest that even a diet rich in omega-3s may not be a guarantee against the development of atherosclerosis.
This discovery has left researchers puzzled, as the Inuit’s traditional subsistence lifestyle and omega-3-heavy diet was previously thought to provide natural protection against cardiovascular disease. The presence of calcified plaque in the mummies’ arteries indicates that other complex factors, beyond just diet, likely play a role in the progression of this condition. Researchers now caution that the relationship between omega-3 consumption and heart health may be more nuanced than previously believed, warranting further investigation into the multifaceted causes of atherosclerosis throughout human history.
While the researchers were surprised by these findings, they caution that the complex nature of atherosclerosis makes it difficult to determine the exact impact of factors like diet. Other environmental influences, such as exposure to smoke from indoor fires, may have also played a role in the development of this condition in the ancient Inuit population. The study of these well-preserved mummies provides a unique window into the past, challenging our assumptions and driving new lines of inquiry into the drivers of cardiovascular disease.
The discovery of atherosclerosis in these omega-3-rich Inuit mummies highlights the continued value of archaeological research in expanding our understanding of health and disease throughout human history. As researchers continue to study these ancient remains, they hope to uncover more clues about the complex factors that contribute to the development of this widespread condition, which remains a significant challenge in modern healthcare.