What is
Fish Oil?
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These are a form of
polyunsaturated fat that's chemically different from the omega-6
fatty acids found in most vegetable oils. omega-3 fatty acids are one type of essential
fatty acids, special fats that the body needs as much as it
needs vitamins.
Fish Oil has many names. One of the most common is omega-3
fatty acid or its scientific abbreviation, N-3. N3 fatty acids
are found mostly in fish, but are contained in other foods as
well.
Fish Oil is the best food source of these fatty acids. The
primary benefit of N-3
Fish Oil is the reduction of platelet activity (blood
clotting) and plaque formation which in turn can prevent heart
attacks.
Background of
Fish Oil:
In 1996 the American Heart Association released its Science
Advisory, "Fish Consumption,
Fish Oil, Lipids and Coronary Heart Disease." Since then
important new findings have been reported about the benefits of
omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular
disease. These include evidence from randomized, controlled
clinical trials. New information has emerged about how omega-3 fatty acids affect heart function
(including antiarrhythmic effects), hemodynamics (cardiac
mechanics) and arterial endothelial function.
The Benefits Of
Fish Oil:
Platelets are clot-forming blood cells which prevent excessive
bleeding. Overly active platelets, however, may speed the
build-up of plaque, a deposit of fatty or fibrous material which
narrows a blood vessel wall. Elevated blood cholesterol also
contributes to the acceleration of plaque formation. When plaque
narrows an artery it is easier for a blood clot to get stuck in
the artery and this can cause a heart attack. Because platelets
also form blood clots, this is likely to occur. That's why it is
desirable to reduce platelet activity and why N-3 fatty acid,
Fish Oil, is beneficial.
People who already have coronary artery disease,
notably those who have had a heart attack. There is solid
evidence that omega-3s can help protect them. Thus, last year
the AHA started recommending 1 gram a day of omega-3s,
preferably from fish, for these people, with their doctors'
approval. That's the amount in a serving of fatty fish, such as
3 ounces of salmon. But most people don't eat fish every day,
and many choose less-fatty fish (it takes 12 ounces of canned
tuna or 7 ounces of flounder to supply 1 gram of omega-3s).
Moreover, since fish may contain mercury, we advise limiting
fish intake to 12 ounces a week, on average. So to get enough
omega-3s without going overboard on fish, people with heart
disease should consider taking fish-oil supplements on days when
they don't eat fish.
Those with high triglycerides.These fats in the blood
increase the risk of heart disease. It's well known that
omega-3s help lower triglycerides. The AHA recommends 2 to 4
grams a day from supplements for people with high triglycerides,
but only under the care of a physician.
Those with rheumatoid arthritis,psoriasis, or other
auto-immune disorders.Omega-3s may help relieve the inflammatory
symptoms of such auto-immune diseases by suppressing the immune
response. Thus, they can help reduce the joint pain and swelling
of rheumatoid arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation says the
supplements are worth trying. Clinical studies suggest about 3
grams of omega-3 a day.
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