Fish Oil Benefits
The benefits of fish oil on heart health have received extensive news coverage and for good reason: heart disease continues to be the #1 killer in the U.S. and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are a proven way to protect your heart against the cell damage inflammation can cause.
Fish oil benefits are derived from two omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). According to the American Heart Association, research has shown that these omega-3 fatty acids benefits the heart by:
- decreasing the risk of heart irregularities, which can lead to cardiac arrest
- decreasing rates of the plaques that can clog heart arteries
- decreasing triglyceride levels (fatty acids in your blood)
In 2007, 18,000 patients with high cholesterol were studied in Japan and the results showed that when 1.8 grams of EPA was added to their standard heart medications each day, the five-year risk of heart attacks and other heart irregularities were reduced by about 20%.
And a recent study by Italian researchers of 6,975 chronic heart failure patients showed that those given 1 gram of fish oil daily saw their death risk fall by 14% compared to no change in those given a placebo.
Compelling evidence exists to show that high quality fish oil supplementation should be a part of a solid nutritional plan. In fact, the American Heart Association has specific recommendations for people with heart disease. For those who have been diagnosed with heart disease, it is recommended that 1 gram of fish oil be taken every day with the approval of your health care provider. For those who need to lower their triglycerides, then a higher dose is recommended: 2-4 grams of fish oil every day.
Take control of your health by harnessing fish oil benefits to keep your heart healthy and strong!
