Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Cholesterol: Fish Oil Capsules For Triglycerides

Posted on February 6, 2011 by Nick in Diet

Question: How does omega-3 fatty acid deal with cholesterol levels? Is it good to eat more fish? Are fish-oil capsules beneficial?

Omega 3 for Heart

Omega-3 fatty acids do lower triglycerides in some people but they don’t seem to have any effect at all on cholesterol. The lowering of triglyceride is however is not very obvious and not their main benefit when it comes to preventing heart disease. The biggest benefit of fish oils is their ability to reduce a process called platelet aggregation (a process in which platelets stick together and form a mass and stick to artery walls, a part of blood clotting).

A diet rich in fish oil helps to prevent platelets from sticking together and from sticking to artery walls. It means that blood clots are less likely to form on top of plaques (cholesterol deposits).

Fish Oil Capsules for Cholesterol

Fish oils also reduce the body’s inflammatory response, which may play a role in the early development of atherosclerosis. One should substitute beef or chicken with some fish. Experts recommend up to three fish meals a week. But if one is going super-low fat then they should stick mostly with the vegetable sources of omega-3 fatty acids because even fish contains some saturated fat.

Soybeans, purslane and seaweeds are vegetable sources of omega-3 fatty acids. See also Deficiency of essential fatty acids

Eating fish is better off than fish-oil capsules. About 2,500mg of omega-3 fatty acids are found in there ounces of tuna, salmon or mackerel. While a typical omega-3 capsule contains only 300mg. Besides, these capsules are usually made of other fats. See also Health Benefits of Fish Intake

Questions and Answers

Q: How healthy is fish for my heart?

A: Fish contains heart friendly anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids that eliminate the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid. Eating fish once a week should help you keep your heart in good condition. Omega 2 contained in the fish prevents the inflammation of your arteries. This helps your blood to flow smoothly through your arteries. This will cut down your risk of a heart attack by about 20%-30%.

Q: What kind of fish should I eat?

A: Tuna, Salmon and Pomphret are recommended as they give the best Omega-3 value for your heart. Do not dry or over fry the fish as that will lose it “good” properties that guard your heart.

Q: How about Oats? Do Oats help our heart in any way?

A: Oatmeal helps lower LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol. This happens because Oats contains soluble fiber. Soluble fiber prevents cholesterol from being absorbed in your intestine. Its best to consumes oats for breakfast as that will stay longer in your system and provide you the energy you need for the day ahead.

Q: How do walnuts help a heart stay fit?

A: Walnuts and other nuts contain Omega-3 that help cut the risk of cardiac disease. Walnut are aso a great source of anti-oxidants. About 3-4 walnuts per day should be good, you can combine this with your breakfast cereal.

Q: Is ginger or garlic good for heart?

A: Garlic is certainly good, but ginger is also heart healthy. Ginger lowers cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the liver and blood. Ginger has extremely good anti inflammatory properties.

Q: How are tomatoes useful to keep my heart healthy? Will tomatoes based food be a heart healthy recipe?

A: Tomatoes help by preventing blood platelets from sticking together. Other vegetables or berries have potassium and flavonoids that lowers blood pressure and helps prevent strokes.

Q: Is green tea a good drink for my heart?

A: Green Tea is rich in tea polyphenols which are strong anti-oxidants and have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea may also reduce the risk of a cardiovascular disease. Do not drink more than 3-4 cups a day as excessive green tea may damage your health. It’s best to drink green tea without any sugar or milk or cream. Boil water for a few minute and dip your green tea for about 3 minutes and drink it as it is.

All these above foods and nutrition are good to keep your heart in a healthy condition.

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