Fish oil contains healthful compounds called Omega-3 fatty acids that provide many health benefits, including LDL, or "bad" cholesterol reduction and prevention of heart disease and stroke. According to MedlinePlus, the best fish sources of these acids are tuna, salmon, trout, sardines and mackerel. Approximately 3.5 oz of these fish provides 1 g of fish oil. Intake should be between 1 and 4 g per day.
Lower Triglycerides
Heart disease and untreated diabetes are associated with high triglycerides, so keeping triglyceride levels low may help to reduce the risk of heart disease. According to MedlinePlus, fish oil supplements are considered "effective" at lowering triglyceride levels. One g of fish oil daily may lower levels between 20 and 50 percent.
Decreased Body Fat and Cortisol
A study comparing the effects of daily therapy for six weeks with 4 g of fish oil or the same amount of safflower oil on resting metabolic rate, cortisol, also known as a stress hormone and body fat was published in the October 8, 2010 edition of the "Journal of the International Society on Sports Nutrition," authored by Eric E. Noreen and colleagues. The authors found that the group of subjects consuming fish oil had decreased body fat mass and increased lean, or muscle mass. Additionally, the fat changes were correlated with reduced levels of salivary cortisol.
Decrease HAART-Induced Dyslipidemia
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, of HIV is associated with dramatically altering blood lipid levels. One way to treat HIV is with a therapy called "highly active antiretroviral therapy," or HAART for short. A side effect of HAART is elevated serum triglycerides, which are implicated in cardiovascular disease. A study by Jean-Guy Baril, M.D. and colleagues, published in the November-December 2008 edition of the journal "HIV Clinical Trials," studied the effects of 12 weeks of 1 g salmon oil supplements taken three times per day on therapy-associated dyslipidemia. The results indicate that salmon oil significantly reduced triglyceride levels and was well tolerated, with few adverse events.
Increased HDL and Decreased LDL Cholesterol
Patients on continuous hemodialysis may develop dyslipoproteinemia, which is abnormal levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. N. Rolf and colleagues published a study in the journal "Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation," monitoring the effects of daily intake of 1 g of salmon oil on several blood parameters. The authors found that salmon oil decreased blood pressure, serum triglycerides and LDL or "bad" cholesterol, while increasing levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol.
References
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- "Journal of the International Socitey of Sports Nutrition;" Effects of Supplemental Fish Oil on Resting Metabolic Rate, Body Composition, and Salivary Cortisol in Healthy Adults; Eric E. Noreen, Michael J. Sass, Megan L. Crowe, Vanessa A. Pabon, Josef Brandauer and Lindsay K. Averill; October 8, 2010
- "HIV Clinical Trials"; Effectiveness and Tolerability of Oral Administration of Low-Dose Salmon Oil to HIV Patients with HAART-Associated Dyslipidemia; Jean-Guy Baril, M.D., Colin M. Kovacs, M.D., Sylvie Trottier, M.D., Ghislaine Roederer, M.D., Alain Y. Martel, M.D., Nabil Ackad, M.D., Theodoro Koulis, M.Sc., Ph.D. and John S. Sampalis, M.Sc., Ph.D.
- "Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation;" Results of a Long-Term Administration of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Hemodialysis Patients With Dyslipoproteinemia; N. Rolf, W. Tenschert, A.E. Lison; 1990
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