Fish such as salmon and albacore tuna contain healthy compounds that can help protect consumers from chronic diseases, including diabetes.

This is because the foods contain omega-3 fatty acids that can help the body's defence against insulin resistance and CLA-induced non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease, according to research from the US Agricultural Research Service.

The research was undertaken by US Department of Agriculture chemist Darshan S Kelly, who discovered the findings after conducting an eight-week test with 50 laboratory mice.

Insulin resistance is a condition that causes the body to produce insulin that it does not use properly. Insulin resistance increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The National Diabetes Information Clearing House has advised people that learning about insulin resistance is the first step toward making lifestyle changes that can help prevent diabetes and other health problems.