Health Benefits Of Fish Oil - A Closer Look At What It Does For Your Body
Over the past few years, researchers have been studying how eating
fish and in particular how fish oil benefits our bodies and our health.
Fish and fish oils have been shown to decrease the negative effects of
cardiovascular disease (CVD) on the human body. The way this has been
done is through the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. This article
will tell you what they are and how they help to treat patients with
cardiovascular disease and those without who may be at risk later in
life.
Cardiovascular disease is a big problem in this country. With obesity
and diabetes amongst the population at staggering highs, cardiovascular
disease is more prevalent. Clogged arteries are leading to strokes and
death. Plaque riddled coronary arteries are leading to thromboses and
heart attacks. Controlling the diet is the major way to reduce a
person’s risk for these types of health problems.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in fish, their oils, and plants
sources, such as flaxseed, canola, soybeans, and the oils of each. There
are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA),
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and alpha linolenic acid (LNA). The first
two mentioned have the most benefit on the heart and its health. The
last omega-3 fatty acid is found mainly in plant sources. The first two
are found in fish that are have a high fat content, but low saturated
fat content. This is important. There are good fats and bad fats. Foods
that contain fully saturated fats are worse than those fats are mono- or
poly-unsaturated. These fish include: mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna.
The recommended dose of omega-3 fatty acids is at least two to three
days a week from natural sources such as those I’ve already named.
Consuming 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 okay before
taking them, because they could do more harm than good if too much is
used.
What the research shows to be true is the following:
* 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 properties
of omega-3 fatty acids on the body. But, for now, we know that fish and
fish oil keep the heart pumping fine.
Your Secret Weapon for a Healthy Eating Lifestyle
Would you like us to come up with most of your grocery list? Join the Healthy Menu Mailer today. We will send you 7 healthy dinner recipes a week with a grocery list to go along with it. We make meal planning easy.