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Fish Oil: The Health Benefits

In the past decade, researchers have been studying fish intake and the well-being it provides the body. Fish and fish oils have been shown to decrease the damaging effects of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on the human body. This is through the intake of omega-3 fatty acids. This article will discuss what they are and how they help to treat patients with cardiovascular disease and those without CVD who may be at risk now or later in life.

Cardiovascular disease is a big problem in the U.S. With obesity and diabetes at unbelievable highs, cardiovascular disease is more common. Choked off arteries are leading to strokes and death. Coronary arteries loaded with plaque are leading to thrombosis (blood clots in the blood vessels) and heart attacks. Controlling the diet is an excellent way to reduce a person’s risk for these health problems.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in fish, their oils, and plants sources, such as flaxseed, canola, soybeans, and their oils . Omega-3 fatty acids include: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and alpha linolenic acid (LNA). DHA and EPA have the most benefit on the heart and its health. LNA is found primarily in plant sources. The first two are found in fish that are have a high fat content, but low saturated fat content. This is critical. There are good fats and bad fats. Foods that contain fully saturated fats (bad fats) are worse than those fats which are mono- or poly-unsaturated. These fish include: mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna (good fats).

The recommended dose of omega-3 fatty acids is at least two to three days a week from natural sources such as those listed above. Eating fish and plant sources on a regular basis seems to reduce the risk of that person developing the precursors to cardiovascular disease and its related conditions. Change in diet alone is enough if you have never been diagnosed with any heart related abnormalities.

For those individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, fish consumption is also recommended. Depending on how advanced their condition, supplements of DHA and EPA may be prescribed by the doctor. As with any supplements make sure that you get the doctor’s approval before taking them, because they could do more harm than good if too much is used.

What the research shows the following facts:

The incidence of blood clots causing sudden heart attacks is decreased

Blood pressure lowers

Arterial plaque growth is retarded

The level of triglycerides in the blood is lowered

Decreased level of cardiac arrhythmias

More research still needs to be done to investigate any other attributes of omega-3 fatty acids on the body. But, for now, we know that fish and fish oil keep the heart pumping very well.

Visit the websites of others on this subject:

All on Omega 3 - Essential Fatty Acids for Your Health - Omega 3 fatty acids such as ALA, DHA and EPA play a critical role in many aspects of human health. Learn more about these essential fatty acids here

For more information on health issues, visit here

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