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.