Japanese researchers have reported that omega-3-rich fish oil can reduce body weight gain by boosting fat metabolism.

Such were their findings...at least in mice!

The study adds to an ever-growing list of potential health benefits from the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, identified as one of the super-nutrients taking the food and supplements industry by storm.

At the end of the study, the researchers reported that the fish oil-supplemented group exhibited increased levels of lipid metabolism-related genes, including carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a, cytochrome P450 4A10, and malic enzyme.

Moreover, fish oil ingestion boosted the activity of enzymes related to metabolism. Specifically, enzymes related to fatty acid beta-oxidation, omega-oxidation, and malic were 1.2-, 1.6-, and 1.7-fold higher in the fish oil-supplemented diet, compared to those only receiving the high fat diet.

So fitting, since we are still in the festive season - will the same be true for humans? That's still to be seen.

But omega-3s is already good for our cardiovascular health, so keeping our weight gain down is actually a bonus.

Find more details from NutraIngredients.

[In Photo: Nature Made Maximum Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 1,200 mg - 300 Softgels from Amazon]