A study carried out in Greece and presented at the World Congress of Cardiology, has found that Omega-3 faty acids could help to reduce the physical harm caused by smoking.

An oral supplementation with 2 grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids included was administered to cigarette smokers, then assessed in relation to the effects on the arterial wall.

The research team found that short-term supplementation with Omega-3 improved arterial stiffness and moderated acute smoking-induced damage of the elastic properties of blood vessels in smokers.

"These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the detrimental effects of smoking on arterial function, which is an independent prognostic marker of cardiovascular risk," said researchers.

It was stated following the study, that the only way to protect against the harmful effects of tobacco is to stop smoking.

"We encourage all people, both smokers and non-smokers, to eat healthy diets, which includes foods rich omega-3 fatty acids," she added.