Omega-3 Efas and Heart Problems
DHA supplements are certainly something you need to think about, if you’re interested in avoiding cardiovascular disease. DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid, and it’s one of the many omega-3 efas. Omega-3′s are essential to good heath. Although DHA is the most prevalent fatty acid in the brain, it’s also seen to play a vital roll in avoiding heart disease. Not only DHA plays this roll, but all omega-3 fatty acids are important when it concerns your heart health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cholesterol
One diet that is high in omega-3′s is the Mediterranean diet. People who follow this diet are apt to have high HDL, or “good” cholesterol. One reason is the Mediterranean diet has a fair amount of fish in it. This is further held up by the fact that Eskimos also generally have high HDL cholesterol. They also eat a lot of cold water, fatty fish. These fish tend to be quite high in omega-3 fatty acids. You might not choose to eat halibut or tuna every day, but you can take fish oil supplements. Reports have shown that these supplements reduce triglyceride levels. In addition to fish, walnuts are recognized to be high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Blood Pressure
There have been several studies which have shown that diets high in omega-3′s or even fish oil supplements, can lower hypertension levels. You don’t desire to self-medicate, however. Blood Pressure is a serious condition. Make sure you get your doctor’s approval before you do one thing.
Cardiovascular Disease and Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
It’s been shown time and time again that diets low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids) help prevent heart problems. There is a lot of clinial evidence that fish-oil, which is high in EPA and DHA (two types of omega-3 fatty acids) help reduce instances of cardiovascular disease and cardiac arrest. In addition, fish-oil has been shown to have a relatively positive effect on lowering triglycerides, risk of death from heart problems, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms. Fish oil has also been shown to help mitigate and treat hardening of the arteries through slowing the development of plaque and blood clots.
In other words, fish-oil, which contains considerable amounts of EPA and DHA, is really useful to you. Since with DHA you get a double whammy effect of helping your heart and brain, you probably want to consider DHA supplements in what you eat. As in all things medical, confer with your doctor first.
Lee Cole is a real health and exercise enthusiast! To learn more about DHA supplements, take a look at Lee’s blog, DHA Supplements Guide.
Filed under Food by on Dec 23rd, 2010.