Triglyceride describes a specific type of lipid, or fat, produced from calories consumed but not immediately used by the body, according to MayoClinic.com. Although many place an emphasis on blood pressure and cholesterol for maintaining heart health, triglyceride levels also impact cardiovascular health. Fish oil, from both natural sources and supplements, contain omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil not only fulfill the need for essential fatty acids but also provide many cardiovascular benefits, such as lowering the level of triglycerides, according to MedLine Plus.
Triglyceride Levels
Normally the body stores triglycerides in the fat cells to be released as energy when the body needs it. The more calories consumed, the more triglycerides the body must store, causing some to remain in the bloodstream. Doctors at MayoClinic.com report a healthy triglyceride level as less than 150 mg/dL. Patients with triglyceride levels between 150 and 199 mg/dL are at borderline high levels; and doctors diagnose those with over 200 mg/dL with a high triglyceride level. Eating a diet low in fat and consuming the recommended levels of omega-3 fatty acids as in fish oils, as directed by the American Heart Association, can help keep triglycerides in the healthy range.
Natural Sources
Fish is a good source of protein, with less saturated fat than meat products. The American Heart Association indicates that fish classified as fatty fish, such as salmon, herring and tuna, also provide omega-3 fatty acids. MedLine Plus reports that a 3.5 ounce serving of fish provides 1 gram of the essential omega-3 fatty acids. Because fish provide other nutrients, such as vitamins A and D, and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, the American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings a week to get omega-3 fatty acids. However, the AHA also recommend to eat fish prepared either baked or grilled and to avoid fried fish, as fried fish adds unnecessary calories and saturated fats, which contribute to high triglyceride levels.
Supplements
The American Heart Association recommends patients with coronary artery disease or those who are at risk for heart disease due to high cholesterol or triglyceride levels may benefit from taking fish oil supplements to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids, especially for those who cannot consume enough natural fish. However, taking too much fish oil can lead complications such as excessive bleeding. Therefore, the University of Maryland Medical Center and the AHA recommend not taking more than 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day.
High Triglyceride Levels
Although triglycerides provide the body with energy between meals, high levels of triglycerides allow too much fat to circulate in the blood. High triglyceride levels may contribute to atherosclerosis, a condition in which fats buildup along the walls of blood vessels causing the walls to thicken and become hard, which interferes with the flow of blood, according to MayoClinic.com.
Lowering Triglycerides
Because atherosclerosis increases the risk for both heart disease and stroke, lowering triglyceride levels can help protect against the first and third highest causes of death, respectively, in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although the exact mechanism of action remains unknown, eating fatty fish or taking fish oil supplements can help reduce the level of triglycerides by 20 to 50 percent, according to MedLine Plus.
