Other Benefits Of Fish Oil

There are a lot more illnesses and situations in which intake of fish oil has proven to be significantly beneficial.

Making the Heart Healthier
The heart is inarguably one of the most important parts of our body and having an unhealthy heart means having to suffer a rather limited lifespan. Naturally, it’s in our best interests to keep our hearts happy and healthy and one way of doing that is eating food that contains fish oil.

In Athens, Greece, for instance, a study was made to show if there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and inflammation of blood vessels. The results revealed that those who ate more fish than the others had a lower level of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, factors that are commonly used to measure likelihood of blood vessel inflammation. These benefits remained even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were taken into account.

Fish to Become Thin
In Perth, Australia, a study had revealed that fish consumption can be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers of the UWA (University of Western Australia) have discovered that a weight-loss diet which includes a regular amount of fish consumption can be quite effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance.

Fish Oil to Combat Asthma
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to learn that certain studies have revealed the benefits of fish oil for asthma-burdened-individuals. Statistics show that approximately 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at a certain point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high linoleic acid content as the reason behind it.

Researchers of UW (University of Wyoming) conducted a study by subjecting a number of children to a high-fish diet while others continued with their regular diet. Results revealed that the participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and were able to breathe more easily as well.

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.