Improve Risk Factors for Heart Disease
The leading causes of mortality worldwide are heart attacks and strokes. Researchers discovered that fish-eating communities had very low rates of these diseases decades ago. This was eventually related to the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have since been connected to a number of heart-health benefits. These benefits cover:
- Triglycerides: Omega-3s can induce a significant decrease in triglycerides, generally between 15 and 30%.
- Blood pressure: Omega-3 fatty acids can help people with high blood pressure lower their blood pressure.
- “Good” HDL cholesterol: Omega-3s have been shown to increase "healthy" HDL cholesterol levels.
- Blood clots: Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent blood platelets from clumping together and forming clots. This helps to prevent dangerous blood clots from forming.
- Plaque: Omega-3s help prevent plaque from narrowing and stiffening your arteries by keeping them smooth and free of damage.
- Inflammation: Omega-3s inhibit the production of some substances released during the inflammatory response in your body.
Omega-3s can also help to decrease "bad" LDL cholesterol in some people. However, the evidence is mixed; some researches show that LDL levels have risen. Despite its positive benefits on risk factors for heart disease, there is no clear evidence that omega-3 supplements can prevent heart attacks or strokes.
