You might have heard much about the advantages of fish oil supplements in the area of heart health.
Many studies have shown that supplements of fish oil can offer benefits to certain people who have some cardiac health problems. A family of polyunsaturated fats, known as omega-3 fatty acids, are the actual source of these benefits.
Dr Rajiv Parakh, MBBS, MS, FRCS, Chairman at the Division of Peripheral Vascular and Endovascular Sciences at Medanta, Gurgaon, shares with HealthWire Media all you should know about Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
What are Omega 3 fats?
Omega-3s are a family of essential fatty acids that play important roles and can offer several health benefits to your body.
You must get them from your diet because your body cannot produce them on its own.
ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA are the three most important types (eicosapentaenoic acid) of Omega-3s. ALA is found primarily in plants, while DHA and EPA mostly occur in animal and algae food.
Fatty fish, fish oils, flaxseeds, chia seeds, linseed oil and walnuts are common foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.
An omega 3 supplement, for example, fish oil or algal oil, is often recommended for people who do not eat a lot of these foods.
What are the side effects of taking too much Omega 3?
While fish oil can seem like an easy way to improve cardiac health, there are also side effects associated with its use. The more dose you take, the more likely the side effects.
Hight omega-3 intake can increase your blood sugar level slightly in fish oil. Fatty acids Omega-3 can slow the coagulation of the blood too. This can exacerbate the effects of an anticoagulant such as coumadin (Warfarin). The risk of easy bleeding or bruising can be increased.
Can Omega 3 unclog arteries?
A drug made of highly purified EPA (omega-3 fatty acid found in fish) appears to reduce heart plaque. Plaques—which consist mainly of fat, cholesterol and calcium—can build up in your arteries that reduce your body’s oxygen-rich blood flow. Omega-3 fats are low in saturated fat. Omega-3s have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and may also improve the function of endothelial cells lining the blood vessels so cardiovascular disease intakes may be beneficial.
Other Benefits Of Omega 3 to Heart Health
- Lower Blood Pressure – High blood pressure can lead to stroke and heart attack. Omega-3 can have positive effects on blood pressure. Blood pressure (the amount of pressure in your arteries while your heart muscles are contracted) and blood pressure (the pressure between beats in your arteries) were both shown to be reduced when you take omega-3 fat.
- Lower Triglycerides- Omega3 and heart health are most consistently demonstrated by their ability to lower triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a fat type found in your blood and stored as fat in your body. The increased fatness of the artery walls, which increases your risk of heart attack and heart failure, has been associated with high levels of triglycerides.
Conclusion
It’s a stretch to say that using a fish oil pill cures all of your distress or even all your heart problems. You can best bet on prevention—including regular checks, a healthy diet and exercise.
With regard to dietary supplements, omega-3s are likely to be more likely than people who have had recent cardiovascular events to reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions, but they are not supplemented.
