The danger of hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, occurs when too much fat builds up in your arteries, forming plaque deposits that restrict blood flow. Having hyperlipidemia increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Although high cholesterol may be genetic, it is often the result of poor diet and lack of exercise. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, limiting your saturated fat intake, eliminating trans fats and including heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in your diet may lower your cholesterol levels and decrease your risk of coronary artery disease. Cod liver oil is an excellent source of omega-3s.
Step 1
Determine how much omega-3 fatty acids you need. If you do not have high cholesterol or heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends two servings of cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel or herring, twice a week. If you have heart disease, you may need about 1 g of omega-3s in the form of cod liver oil supplements. If you are trying to lower your cholesterol levels, you may need between 2 and 4 g of cod liver oil.
Step 2
Monitor your vitamin A and D intake. The difference between cod liver oil and other fish oils is that cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D. You may need to discontinue other vitamin supplementation, especially vitamin A. According to the National Institutes of Health, too much vitamin A may cause a loss of bone density that can lead to osteoporosis.
Step 3
Limit other polyunsaturated fats in your diet. Omega-3s are a type pf polyunsaturated fat. or PUFA. If your total fat intake is too high, it may lead to weight gain; if your PUFA intake is too high you might experience hair loss, scaly skin, dehydration and gastrointestinal distress. Avoid vegetable oils and eat monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil or avocado, instead.
References
- Health Castle: Fish Oil Supplements and Cholesterol: Heart Association Recommends Fish Oil Supplements
- MayoClinic.com: High Cholesterol - Complications
- Cholesterol and Health: The Benefits of Liver, Cod Liver Oil, and Dessicated Liver
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin A and Carotenoids
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