Fish Oil – Did You Know That Fish Oil Can Help Cholesterol?
Statistically, heart attack nowadays is not uncommon and this incidence comes in several variety. The most common heart attack is a myocardial infarction which is usually caused by very tiny blood clots blocking the coronoary arteries narrowed by atherosclerotic plaque or commonly called cholesterol deposits. This cholesterol accumulation is a result of a continued high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, namely triglycerides and low density lipoprotein or LDL. Therefore, a controlled level of cholesterol is very important. One of the promising measures to help lower cholesterol is incorporating fish oil in the total daily intake of an individual, may it be from dietary sources or from supplementation.
Queries about what is the active substance present in fish oils are usual. Fish oil was discovered to be a good source of Omega – 3 Fatty Acid. Omega – 3 Fatty Acid lowers the level of bad cholesterol in the blood stream. A controlled level of these blood fats reduces the chance of depositing cholesterol into the walls of blood vessels thus preventing narrowing of arteries ormedically termed as atherosclerosis. Blood cholesterol within normal limits will also result in a decreased viscosity of the blood. This in turn reduces the risk of blood clotting thus facilitating blood flow. Various clinical studies have also found concrete evidences that a diet high in fish, especially cold water fishes, decreases the incidence of heart diseases. With these results, scientists started investigating omega-3 fatty acids in the form of supplements. Another beneficial nutrient found in fish oil is a poly – unsaturated fatty acid called Eicosapentaenoic Acid or EPA. It controls platelet aggregation and clumping thus decreasing the likelihood of thrombosis, another common cause of heart attack and stroke.
One of the best sources of fish oil is fatty fish. This include fishes that are from cold water. These fishes are high in Omega Fatty Acid and contains a manifold of vitamins and minerals. Healthcare providers suggests that eating at least two meals of fish every one week is sufficient to supply the body with the required Omega – 3 Fatty Acid and EPA, together with the other vitamins and minerals, for the week. The known highest levels of Omega – 3 fatty acids and EPA are in:
1. Salmon
2. Mackerel
3. Sardines
4. Albacore Tuna
5. Halibut
6. Lake Trout
7. Herring
However, consuming these kind of food is not enough let alone the risk of heavy metal contamination. It is also significant that in order to avoid adding unhealthy fats to the fish, either baking, roasting, boiling, steaming or grilling must be done. Frying may add unhealthy substances especially oil to the food.
For individuals who are not fond of eating fish, fish oil, specifically Omega – 3 fatty acid can be supplied by nuts, fruits and vegetables and canola oil. Fortunately, fish oil supplement in the form of capsules is also widely produced and sold nowadays. But if you opt to have fish oil supplement instead of eating fish, remember to eat lean meat and vegetables since there are some nutrients found in fish that is not present in fish oil supplements.
Fish oil supplements are tested to be free of heavy metals and contaminates that can cause health issues. Taking a fish oil supplement can reduce calorie intake for those concerned about eating a lot of food or are on a restricted diet. You can find quality fish oil at your local or internet vitamin store in softgel or liquid forms. Always choose name brands like Kal, Now Foods, or Source Naturals to ensure quality of the product you buy for better health and wellness.
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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Omega-3, Fish Oil Supplement, Lower Cholesterol With Fish, Improve Your Cardiovascular System