Will Omega-3 and Fish Oils Lower My Cholesterol?

It was once thought that a diet high in fat caused high cholesterol levels. However some natives, like Eskimos, eat diets very high in fat. The fat in their diet comes from cold water fish, seals and other saltwater creatures, and they have very little heart disease. Scientist’s began to study the effects of different types of fat, on heart disease and cholesterol.

Their findings show that , our diets are far too high in omega-6. Omega-6 can be found in common vegetable cooking oils like, corn, canola, soy, safflower, sunflower. These oils are most commonly used in restaurant and packaged foods. A diet too high in Omega-6 can cause, heart disease, stroke, depression, homicide, and bipolar disorder. In countries like Japan, incidence of these disorders is much lower.

When Omega-3 Fish oils are consumed on a daily basis, and the consumption of less healthy Omega-6 oils lowers the risk of strokes, sudden cardiac death, and second heart attacks. Omega-3 Fish oils reduce the blood triglyceride (fat) levels, raises levels of good HDL cholesterol, lowers levels of all non-HDL cholesterol.

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are used to remove cholesterol from the blood, and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are used to carry cholesterol through the blood.Having high levels of HDL cholesterol is good for cardiovascular health, but having “high” levels of LDL cholesterol is not necessarily unhealthful. The culprit here is plaque build up, that gets created when LDL and other low-density carriers of cholesterol become oxidized by free radicals. Free radicals are created by inflammation in the artery wall and the blood.

To reduce the inflammation that causes the free radicals, scientists say the we must lower our intake of inflammatory Omega-6 oils described above, and increase our intake of Omega-3 and fish oils.

Omega-3 and fish oils can be found in salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines. These healthy omega-3 oils are also found in Flax seeds, walnuts, pecans and hazel nuts. Its important to remember that consumption of some of these fish could also give you a hefty dose of heavy metals. Please see the link below for more information about the fish and health advisories where you live.

The American heart association recommends that those with out any heart disease should eat fish 2 times a week, in addition to other sources of Omega-3, and Ala’s like flaxseed, canola and soybean oils; pecans and walnuts. For those with diagnosed heart disease should be eating, 1 g of Omega-3 and Fish oils per day, preferably from fatty fish. Omega-3 and fish oil in capsule form could be considered in consultation with the physician. If you need to lower Triglycerides you should be 2 to 4 grams of Omega-3 and fish oils per day provided as capsules under a physician’s care. If you intend to take high dosages of Omega-3 and fish oils of more that 3 grams per day you must be under a physicians care. High dosages can cause excessive bleeding.

Your diet should also focus on reducing overall high sugar-starch intake and increase the intake of foods high in heart-protecting fibers, vitamins, minerals, and the polyphenol antioxidants abundant in tea, cocoa, and colorful fruits, vegetables, and wild salmon.

As always get regular exercise when trying to improve overall health.

Omega-3 and fish oils, can help change your cholesterol profile, and reduce the inflamation that causes heart disease. When combined with other healthier dietary and lifestyle choices, it can improve your meantal health as well.

American heart association Omega-3 and fish oils on heart health http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4632
Fish oil impact on cholesterol http://fishoilsupplementsguide.com/fish-oil-and-cholesterol-what-are-the-experts-saying.html
Consume more omega3 over omega6 oils http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000675955.cfm?x=b76GVyV,b1kJpvRw,w
Heavy metals in fish http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/