Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Fish Oil and Cholesterol

Fish Oil and Cholesterol
While it may strike some people as surprising, one of the
most effective ways to combat cholesterol levels in the
blood is by eating a food high in oil: fish oil. Countless
studies, including some backed by the American Heart
Association have linked the consumption of fish oil to the
reduction in high levels of cholesterol. In addition, a
regular supplementation of fish oil, coupled with a healthy
diet and exercise, can help keep the levels low. Here is
why.

Fish oil is naturally high in omega 3 fatty acids. These
super foods work to aid nearly any bodily process
imaginable. Among their multitude of physical and mental
health benefits, the omega 3 compounds in fish oil play an
integral role in helping maintain a healthy blood pressure.
The helpful acids in the fish oil carry out a three pronged
attack against cholesterol. First, they prevent the buildup
of triglycerides. Second, they encourage the development of
high density lipoproteins, or "good" cholesterol. Finally,
they help to prevent harmful blood clotting and actually
thin the blood.

One of the key factors often leading to heat disease (and
heart attacks, for that matter) is high cholesterol levels.
The leading cause for high cholesterol levels is the
abundance of triglycerides in the blood. This is especially
true with women. Tests have shown that women taking fish
oil supplements were able to lower their triglyceride
levels up to 35%. This is enough to significantly reduce
the chances of a heart attack.

In addition to reducing the amount of harmful
triglycerides, fish oil encourages the levels of high
density lipoproteins. This "good" cholesterol helps the
body balance the overall cholesterol levels in the blood.
Studies have shown that fish oil can help raise high
density lipoprotein levels in women and men up to 30%.

While maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is certainly
an important part of preventing heart disease and other
cardiovascular occurrences, some heart attack and stroke
victims did not have particularly high levels of
triglycerides. The fact is, what actually causes these
terrible cardiovascular occurrences is when clots in the
blood block the blood flow to either the heart of the
brain. One of the most remarkable characteristics of the
omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil is their ability to
reduce clotting and even thin the blood. Studies have shown
that an addition of fish oil as a daily supplement reduces
the risk of a heart attack by 50%.

With all of these benefits, it is no wonder so many
cardiovascular physicians recommend fish oil to their
patients. However, since most of its benefits are
preventative, why not start using omega 3 fish oil today
and start saving your heart?


----------------------------------------------------
Thomas Budd has a special interest in fish oil, as he takes
the supplement everyday. He believes in practicing good
nutrition through natural, scientifically proven methods in
order to promote overall health. For more information on
fish oil, please visit http://www.Fishoil-pro.com

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