Can fish oil help your heart?

Coronary heart disease is a common killer. It involves the narrowing of the arteries due to cholesterol buildup. There are some palliative treatments for the condition, but it is better to combat the root of the disease itself, or, if possible, take steps to avoid the occurrence of the disease in the first place. The consumption of fish oil is one way to address the causes of heart disease.Studies

Interest in the benefits of fish oil has been growing. Studies have shown those who consume a lot of fish are less vulnerable to heart disease. This is because of the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. This fatty acid makes blood platelets less sticky, protects arterial lining and can help to lower blood pressure. According to a study in 1998, weekly consumption of fish is twice as effective as monthly consumption, when it comes to prevention of heart attack. Another study showed that, in two groups of men who had suffered heart attacks, the group of men who had been given vitamin E or a fish oil supplement showed much lower rates of stroke, heart attack and death, when compared to the other group who had not been given these supplements. Additionally, the chances of a heart attack occurring had been reduced by 50% in these men.

A study of 80,000 women showed that twice weekly consumption of fish oil greatly reduced the risk of stroke caused by arterial blockage. The same study indicated that consuming 1-3 fish servings each month lowered the risk of heart disease by as much as 20 percent. Consumption of five servings per week cut the risk by 40 percent.Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit fat deposits. They also lower the level of LDL in our body - LDL is considered to be ‘bad’ cholesterol. At the same time, omega-3 increases the level of ‘good’ cholesterol, HDL. It is best to boost your omega-3 intake through the consumption of salmon, mackerel, trout, herring and sardines. Replacing meat in your diet with fish is a great way to lower the risk of heart disease.

Some people might require fish oil supplements, including those suffering from arrhythmia. People who have high triglyceride levels might also require this type of supplement. This applies especially to those for whom exercise has failed to regulate the triglyceride levels. Those who suffer from coronary heart disease will benefit from the consumption of fish oil supplements. It is advised that this type of person consumes at least one fatty fish serving or fish oil supplement each day.