Health Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

All the above mentioned fatty fish sources are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, which are eicosapentaenoic acide (EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Omega-3 fatty acids have long been known to benefit the heart of healthy people as well as those at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

The American Heart Association also recommends we eat foods that contain alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) which can become omega-3 fatty acid in the body. Researchers do not know just how much more benefit it is to add these foods. More studies are needed to show a cause-and-effect relationship between alpha-linolenic acid and heart disease.

To learn more about omega-3 levels for different types of fish and mercury levels, which can be a concern, please review the American Heart Association’s Encyclopedia entry on Fish, Levels of Mercury and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

The suggestions below are a good guide to use for consuming omega-3 fatty acids:

• Patients without documented coronary heart disease should eat a variety of (preferably fatty) fish at least twice a week. They should also include oils and foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid such as flaxseed, canola and soybean oils, and walnuts.
• Patients with documented coronary heart disease should consume about 1 g of EPA+DHA per day preferably from fatty fish. A capsule form can also be considered in consultation with the physician.
• Patients who need to lower triglycerides should take 2 to 4 grams of EPA+DHA per day provided as capsules under a physician’s care.

If you are taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from capsules per day you should do so under the care of a physician. The American Heart Association warns that high intakes can cause excessive bleeding in some people.