Omega-3 fish oil contains essential fatty acids that are necessary for your health and survival, and may even help to lower blood pressure, decrease inflammation and aid in reducing your chances of heart attack or stroke, thanks to their abilities to lower fats -- also known as triglyceride levels -- associated with cholesterol.
Omega-3 Fish Oil
MayoClinic.com explains that fish and fish oil help to prevent blood clots and lower blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil are polyunsaturated fats that are sometimes referred to as "good" fats because they are not only required for your survival, they also provide health benefits including reducing heart disease risks.
Effectiveness
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database provides a scale that measures fish oil's efficacy in lowering blood fats. Fish oil ranks as effective for reducing high triglycerides; though fish oil does not actually lower cholesterol itself. To decrease triglycerides, doctors may advise lifestyle changes including incorporating an exercise schedule into your daily or weekly routine, lowering your fat intake through diet and possibly taking medications. Fish oil may not be as effective for lowering triglycerides as some medications, but researchers recognize that prescription fish oil supplements that contain 375 mg of DHA and 465 EPA per gram may decrease triglycerides 20 to 50 percent.
Fish for Your Heart
Omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil are obtained by eating fish. For a healthy heart, the American Heart Association advises eating at least two servings of fish weekly. Salmon, halibut and sardines are all naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids. MedlinePlus explains 1 g of fish oil is contained in 3.5-oz. serving. Be cautious of fish such as king mackerel, swordfish and marlin, as these are high in mercury.
Recommendations
Fish oil is available as over-the-counter supplements. For the highest quality and healthiest source of fish oil supplements, stick with fish oil that is purified and guaranteed to be free of heavy metals, including lead and mercury. There is no recommendations for a daily intake of fish oil; however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises consuming no more than 3 g daily of EPA -- eicosapentaenoic acid -- and DHA -- docosahexaenoic acid -- two primary fatty acids in most fish oils. Taking over 3 g a day may cause an increase in bleeding. Speak to your physician about omega-3 fish oil if you take a blood thinner.
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