The study by the Ochsner Medical Clinic in New Orleans found that Omega 3 in particular could help to prevent heart disease and strokes in healthy people, as well as those with heart problems, by up to 30% *1.
Fish Oil Capsules for Heart Diseases
The news has been welcomed by some nutritionists who state that fish oils ‘could be a way to radically cut the number of heart attacks’ *2. Heart disease is currently England’s biggest killer; with around 110,000 fatalities each year *3.
Omega 3 is also referred to as an ‘essential fatty acid’ and cannot be produced naturally by the body so it must be consumed within the diet or taken as a nutritional supplement. Omega 6 is also an essential fatty acid; however the abundance of mono-unsaturated fats in modern diets (found in foods such as Olive Oil) means that the European diet is too rich in Omega 6 *4.
Eating fresh cold water fish, such as Mackerel and Herring, twice a week is the best source of Omega 3, according to the Food Standards Agency *5. However, the average Brit only eats around one third of a portion each week.
Aside from the cardiovascular and circulatory benefits, fish oils have also been linked to a plethora of other medicinal benefits. Improvements in joint health and eye health have all been attributed to an increased Omega 3 intake *6.
There is currently no RDA set for Omega 3; however experts recommend that you take a supplement containing around 500 – 600 mg of EPA/DHA to reap the full benefits, particularly if you are unable to eat the full 2 portions of fish each week that is recommended *7.
2 Servings of Mercury Free Fish Per Week for Heart Diseases
*1 Alaswad, K. et al (2002). The Oschner Journal. Fish Oil in Cardiovascular Prevention. http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&issn=1524-5012&volume=004&issue=02&page=0083
*2 Daily Mail Online (2009). Could a fish oil pill add years to your life? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1205628/Could-fish-oil-pill-add-years-life.html
*3 Department of Health. Coronary Heart Disease. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Coronaryheartdisease/DH_120
*4 Healthy Direct (2007). Omega 3 Explained. http://www.healthydirect.com/article/Omega3Explained/d.jsf
*5 Food Standards Agency(2009). Fish and Shellfish. http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/fishandshellfish/
*6 Daily Mail Online (2009). Could a fish oil pill add years to your life? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1205628/Could-fish-oil-pill-add-years-life.html
*7 Food Standards Agency(2009). Fish and Shellfish. http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/fishandshellfish/
