Omega-3 fish oil dietary supplements provide you with excellent health benefits. Not only do fish oils contain essential omega-3 fatty acids, but they also are rich in vitamins A and D. The health benefits provided by omega-3 fish oils are plentiful and are especially beneficial in preventing heart disease.
Effects on Heart Health
- Cardiovascular Functioning: The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) can protect your heart if your body is suffering from mental stress, such as situations that cause blood pressure and pulse rates to rise. Studies have suggested that taking fish oil supplements for more than 30 days improves cardiovascular functioning during tests that cause mental stress.
- Blood Pressure: Fish oils may aid in lowering blood pressure.
- Atherosclerosis: The anti-inflammatory properties contained in omega-3 fish oils help slow the development of arterial plaques.
- Heart Attack: Omega-3s lessen your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
- Arrhythmias: Taking fish oil supplements can reduce your chances for developing an abnormal heart rhythm.
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest: If you already suffer from heart disease, taking omega-3 fatty acids may lessen your risk for sudden cardiac death.
- Clogged Arteries: Your triglyceride levels may decrease due to omega-3 intake. Triglycerides can lead to clogged arteries, which in turn can lead to heart attack or stroke.
Other Health Benefits
Aside from the excellent benefits for your heart health, omega-3 fatty acids are very important for normal brain function. Omega-3 fish oils also support:
- Weight loss and decreased waist circumference in combination with diet and exercise
- Eye health and vision protection in the elderly
- The reduction of symptoms in inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis
- Skin health, especially after increased sun exposure
Eating oily fish, such as mackerel, sardines, and salmon, are excellent ways to consume your omega-3 fatty acids. Not everyone enjoys eating fish on a regular basis, though, and mercury in certain seafood products is often a concern. It’s easy, however, to get omega-3 fish oil into your diet by taking daily supplements.
