Heart health benefits

Omega 3’s, especially those found in oily fish are considered to beneficial for heart health. These benefits include:

• Lowering ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol levels
• Lowering high triglyceride levels
• Lowering blood pressure (if blood pressure is too high)
• Maintains blood vessel dilation
• Preventing the build up of blood clots (which can block an artery and cause a heart attack)
• Reduces the risk of arteries hardening (‘furring’)
• Has an anti-inflammatory effect on artery walls which reduces the risk of a rupture
• Reduce symptoms of depression
• Eases symptoms of Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

The message here is that eating foods which contain omega 3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. They can also help those people who suffer from heart disease by lowering the risk of sudden death via a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

The best way of achieving these benefits is to eat at least 2 portions of oily fish per week. These include sardines, mackerel, salmon, fresh tuna and herrings, and contain vitamins A and D. If you are not a fish eater then fish oil capsules are an alternative but do not exceed the recommended dose.