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More Support for Fish Oil for Heart Disease
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
January 17 2004 | 1,719 views

tudies show consumption of omega-3 fatty acids--found in oily fish and fish oils--protects against coronary heart disease. Findings also show that both consumption of fish and higher blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a decreased risk of sudden death.

After reviewing 11 studies, researchers concluded that omega-3 fatty acids appear to provide the following benefits:

  • Normalize heart rhythms
  • Reduce blood clots
  • Reduce hardening of the arteries
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Improves blood vessel lining function
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Lowers triglyceride levels

With these findings, researchers advise that omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish or fish oil should be considered in the secondary prevention regimen of patients after a heart attack.

British Medical Journal January 3, 2004 (Free Full Text Article)



Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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This is just more evidence to back up previous studies that fish oil and cod liver oil decrease the risk of heart disease.

As most of the subscribers of my free e-newsletter know, omega-3 fats are essential to good health, but can only be found in fish oil and certain foods.

While a helpful form of omega-3 fats can be found in flaxseed, walnuts and a few other foods, the most beneficial form--containing two fatty acids, DHA and EPA, that are essential to fighting and preventing both physical and mental disease--can only be found in fish.

Unfortunately, however, I now warn my patients against consuming fish unless they are certain it has been lab-tested and shown to be free of harmful mercury and other toxins, such as the Vital Choice salmon offered through this site. Fish of all varieties from all water sources are now showing dangerously high levels of the tasteless but highly toxic metal mercury, and so unless you are certain the fish you are consuming have been independently tested and shown to be free of toxins, I urge you to consider avoiding fish and opting for fish oil or cod liver oil instead. Now is the time of year when most will want to opt for cod liver oil, due to its vitamin D content.

When choosing your fish oil or cod liver oil, it is important to remember that not all brands are the same. In my research--and in my clinical experience with my patients--I have found that:

  1. the liquid form is superior to capsules
  2. certain brands definitely seem inferior to others

 

Related Articles:

Sudden Death, and Other Top Heart Disease Symptoms to Avoid

More Evidence That Fish Oil Helps Heart Disease

Fish Oil: #1 in Preventing Heart Attacks

Eating Fish Prevents Heart Attacks

Not Any Old Fish Food Will Reduce Heart Attacks

Omega-3 is Essential to the Human Body






 
 
 
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