Metabolic Syndrome Management Through Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Antioxidant-Rich Diets: An Approach from Marine and Vegetarian Sources

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of interrelated metabolic risk factorsMetabolic syndromerisk factors, such as obesity, dyslipidemiaDyslipidemia, insulin resistance, increased oxidative stress, hypertension, and systemic inflammation, collectively impairing overall health. Addressing metabolic syndrome concerns through dietary improvements and strategically incorporating functional bioactive compounds is a recognized approach. Diets enriched in bioactive compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoidsCarotenoids, and polyphenolsPolyphenols are important considerations to target metabolic syndrome. Omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the essential PUFA from vegetarian sources, and longer-chain PUFA such asEicosapentaenoic acid eicosapentaenoic acidAlpha-linolenic acideicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) andDocosahexaenoic acid docosahexaenoic acidAlpha-linolenic aciddocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from marine sources improve conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. Foods containing n-3 PUFA are also rich in antioxidants such as carotenoidsCarotenoids and polyphenolsPolyphenols that provide beneficial health effects to combat metabolic syndrome disorders. This book chapter compares and contrasts the effects of vegetarian and marine sources enriched in ALA, and EPA/DHA, on metabolic pathways to target metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, the effects of antioxidants from vegetarian and marine sources on the regulation of metabolic pathways are compared to provide beneficial health effects in metabolic syndrome. Integrating bioactive-rich marine and vegetarian foods is an excellent strategy for effectively managing the complications linked with metabolic syndrome.