Fish Oil / Omega-3's - The ultimate herb for preventing heart disease

In our reviews, we found over 2000 published research studies on the omega 3 fatty acids. The evidence is overwhelming on the positive benefits of fish oil.

If you are looking for the best form, omega-3 fatty acids are the absolute best choice. Only purchase from company that tells you the amount of EPA and DHA (types of omega-3 fatty acids) in their fish oil or omega-3 capsules.

Don't forget to add garlic to your list of daily supplements for heart health as well.

Facts and Frequently Asked Questions

It contains a large amount of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) called omega-3 fatty acids. These are considered essential fatty acids because our body is unable to make it. The three main types of omega 3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish oil contains mostly EPA and DHA. Flaxseed oil contains mostly ALA. Your body converts only a very small amount of ALA into EPA and DHA. It is EPA and DHA that your body can easily use.

Research studies clearly show that it is EPA and DHA that have the beneficial properties. As researchers have said "The type of omega-3 found in oily fish is the best kind. There's no question that EPA and DHA are vital for our hearts, brains and immune system." Avoid taking plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as those from flaxseed oil.

Although omega-3 fatty acids are important, omega-6 fatty acids are also required in proper proportion to avoid other health problems. Experts suggest keeping the balance of about 2 to 4 times of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids. Unfortunately, our current diet consists of more than 10 to 20 times of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids. Experts believe that this imbalance causes significant increase in inflammation-related diseases in North America.

Studies looking the dietary habits of people around the world showed that the Mediterranean diet has an excellent balance of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids and some omega-9 fatty acids. This diet has been proven to reduce heart disease and cancer.

These fishes contain large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. Typically 3.5 ounce of fish provides about 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids.

Here what researcher R. Farah & Y. Glick had to say in his paper published in May 2008:

"...common Mediterranean dietary pattern has these characteristics: high consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds, olive oil is an important monounsaturated fat source, dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts, and relatively small amounts of red meat is eaten, eggs are consumed zero to four times a week and wine is consumed in low to moderate amounts."

A recent study has once again confirmed that people who closely follow 'the Mediterranean Diet' live longer than other Europeans and Americans and the incidence of heart disease in Mediterranean countries is lower than in the United States."

The latest studies published in the (very respected) journal Lancet showed that omega-3 fatty acids were better at reducing death from heart failure than prescription cholesterol lowering medication. Imagine that! This study, involving 6,975 patients and followed for 3.9 years, was randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled, the ultimate gold standard.

In a research paper published in 2006 by Y. Yamori, he said "that dietary factors were more important determinants of cardiovascular diseases than genetic factors." So, if heart disease "runs in your family", there is something you can do to reverse this. Take omega-3's supplements.

What are some of the symptoms you might expect to see if you are low in omega-3 fatty acids?

Fish Oil
(Omega 3 Fatty Acids)

Facts and Frequently Asked Questions

Fish Oil (Omega 3 Fatty Acids)

Facts and Frequently Asked Questions

Fish Oil
(Omega 3 Fatty Acids)