Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that is important to get into the body through either diet or supplements. Since the body can’t make EPA/DHA from Omega 3’s on its own, we need to get it through what we eat.
Omega 3 is typically found in foods like tuna, salmon, and nuts. While Omega 3 has many benefits (like reducing inflammation), one of the biggest relates to heart health. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Omega 3 can help your cardiovascular system by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and your risk of heart disease.
Omega 3 and Cholesterol
Those with high cholesterol are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, though the more important metric by far is your total HDL level and the ratio of your HDL to LDL. Cholesterol, especially triglycerides and LDL (or "bad" cholesterol), can stick to blood vessels and build up, causing cardiovascular problems. HDL is the good cholesterol that takes away the bad LDL cholesterol and has been shown in study after study to inversely correlate with heart disease (high HDL=low heart disease risk). Those eating a diet rich in Omega 3 or who supplement properly have decreased levels of triglycerides and drastically higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
Blood Pressure and Omega 3
Blood pressure is exactly what it sounds like, the pressure of the blood as it goes in and out of the heart muscle. Those with high blood pressure, hypertension, have a high degree of heart problems and an increased heart attack risk. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 3 grams or more of fish oil a day was seen to reduce the body's blood pressure significantly.
Omega 3 and Heart Disease
Omega 3 is also great for lowering total risk of heart disease. Multiple clinical studies have shown that Omega 3 fish oils reduce the risk of both stroke and heart attack, and will lower the risk of having an abnormal heart rhythm in those who have had a prior heart attack. In addition, Omega 3 may treat and prevent hardening of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. It may be able to do this because it slows the progression of plaque buildup and the development of blood clots.
EnergyFirst Omega 3 Products
Our Omega 3 products are made with the highest quality ingredients in their ideal ratios. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about how we can help you to utilize any of them to optimal effect.
REFERENCES
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm
