Cholesterol lowering benefits come from fish oil by eating fish or taking supplements, according to MedlinePlus. Fish oils may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease caused by high levels of LDL cholesterol. This type of cholesterol builds up on the walls of the arteries to create plaque that eventually narrows the arteries to decrease blood flow from the heart. LDL, sometimes called the "bad" cholesterol, differs from HDL, or "good" cholesterol, believed to carry excess cholesterol to the liver where it leaves as waste.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oils contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that help slow the growth of plaque buildup in the arteries, lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of abnormal heartbeats, the American Heart Association notes. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, lake trout, mackerel and herring. Sturgeon, mullet and bluefish also contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Servings
Eating servings of fish at least two times a week provides healthy doses of fish oil. Fish oil supplements also help, especially for people who have heart disease and cannot get enough omega-3 fatty acids through diet alone. Best health results for food consumption include baking or grilling fish, MayoClinic.com states.
Supplements
Manufacturers often make fish oil supplements from tuna, halibut, salmon, mackerel, cod liver and whale or seal blubber, MedlinePlus states. Supplements may contain minerals and vitamins, including calcium, iron and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, D and E. The FDA approved fish oil supplements, omega-3 acid ethyl esters, for lowering triglycerides, fats related to cholesterol.
Potential
Fish with omega-3 fatty acids may also prevent blood clots in the arteries, damage that occurs when plaque from cholesterol ruptures and blocks the arteries, causing heart attack or stroke. Fish oil may slow or reverse the progress of atherosclerosis, or hardening of arteries that slows blood flow and causes heart disease. Fish oil may also prevent sudden death from heart attack in people who already have had heart attacks, MayoClinic.com says. Doctors believe fish oil may prevent cholesterol from absorbing in the intestine.
Medicinal Benefits
Although not as effective as medication to reduce triglycerides, researchers believe fish oil may reduce triglyceride levels by as much as 20 to 50 percent, according to Medline Plus. Fish oil combined with vitamin B12, which helps promote normal blood formation, may help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Doctors are also considering using fish oil in combination with statins, cholesterol-lowering drugs, for heart patients.
