Base is used broadly in both literal and figurative contexts: the wide base of the pyramid; a party seeking to expand its power base. Basis is used in a nonphysical sense: Healthy scepticism is the basis of all accurate observation (Arthur Conan Doyle).
Omega-3 fats also lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve blood vessel function, and, at higher doses, lower triglycerides and may ease inflammation, which plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis. Several large trials have evaluated the effect of fish or fish oils on heart disease.
Many of the events involved in inflammation are increased by estrogen, and decreased by vitamin E. Estrogen causes capillaries to become leaky; vitamin E does the opposite. Estrogen increases platelet aggregation, and decreases a factor that inhibits platelet aggregation; vitamin E does the opposite.