Does Fish Oil Lower Triglycerides?

Fish oil is a valuable source of essential fatty acids that provide a wide range of health benefits.

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are important omega 3 fats that have to be included in your diet especially if you have high triglyceride levels. DHA and EPA help to lower the amount of triglycerides in your body. You can get your daily dose of omega 3 fatty acids from fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, menhaden and halibut. Fish oil supplements and vegetable sources are also reliable sources of EPA and DHA. However, vegetable sources like flaxseed oil, soybean oil and walnuts are not as proficient in reducing your triglyceride levels. These vegetable sources are rich in essential alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is converted into the much-needed EPA and DHA by the body. In those time, more harmful fatty substances for example saturated fats and trans fats are consumed to compromise the health benefits. Furthermore, as a person grows older, the body becomes less efficient at converting ALA into EPA and DHA. Hence, vegetable sources are not a good choice because the omega 3 fatty acids are not easily available. In the typical western diet, there are large concentrations of omega 6 fatty acids which cannot be converted into omega 3 fatty acids by the body. And consequently, an imbalance is created in the body. Fish supplements are the better alternative.

Often small amounts of vitamin E are present in fish oil supplements to avoid spoilage or the supplements might be combined with calcium, iron, or vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, or D. Most important is the easy availability of omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements

Health benefits of fish oil include the lowering of blood pressure, a reduced risk of arrhythmia (causes fatal heart attacks) and other heart afflictions. Additionally, fish oil prevents and treats the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) caused by the accumulation of plaque and blood clots which clog the arteries. Most conditions related to the heart and blood system are treatable with fish oil.

For people with familial hypertriglyceridemia, prescription fish oil assists in lowering high triglyceride levels bought on by this inherited condition. The triglyceride-reducing properties of omega 3 fatty acids found in abundance in fish oil are very beneficial to diabetics.

People with diabetes have elevated triglycerides and low HDL levels putting them at a greater risk for cardiovascular diseases. Fish oil decreases triglyceride levels and apoproteins (markers of diabetes) in addition to increasing HDL (high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol). Thus, reducing diabetics high risk for heart disease. Diabetics should consult a doctor on the recommended quantity of fish oil to consume as it is usually higher for them than a regular person because of their condition. Be warned, an excessive intake of fish oil has been known to increase the risk of stroke.

Your method of consuming fish oil has consequences; fried fish or fish sandwiches have diminished fish oil potency and irrefutably, hike your heart disease risk.

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