Fish Oil For Heart Health

Did you think the benefits of omega-3 fish oil were just hype? Don’t worry you’re not alone. Fortunately for the “believers” there is mounting evidence that fish oils prevent cardiovascular disease in healthy people and lower mortality rates in those already inflicted with the disease according to the August 11, 2009, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. This newly released study was a review of very large studies dating back 20 to 30 years showing the protective benefits of fish oil.

According to Carl Lavie, M.D., F.A.C.C., medical director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention, Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, “The strongest evidence of a cardioprotective effect of omega-3s appears in patients with established cardiovascular disease and following a heart attack with up to a 30 percent reduction in CV-related death.”

That’s very good news for those already consuming fish oils and a good reason to add them to your diet if not.  But, studies show the benefits don’t stop there.  Fish oil can also decrease the risk of atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, heart attack and sudden cardiac death.

So just how much omega-3 fish oil do you need to consume? The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice per week. Salmon, pollock and flounder all have high levels of omega-3’s, with relatively low levels of mercury. (see Fish Mercury and Omega-3 Levels chart).  For those who don’t like eating fish there is the option to supplement your fish oil intake with Omega-3 fish oil pills. Take around 500mg per day if healthy and 800-1000mg per day for people with known heart disease.

Make sure that fish oil isn’t your only source of good fats.  You will need a healthy balance of other fat rich foods such as olive oil, walnuts and flaxseed oil, for example, and to keep your daily fat intake within an acceptable range.