In this article we shall be quoting factual information from the American Heart Association.
The benefits of Omega 3 fish oils on the various system of the body have long been documented. We can now safely purchase and consume fish oil knowing that extensive research has been carried out and that it is not some kind of health ‘craze’ or ‘fad’ that is sweeping the nation as we so often see with other natural products in the world of dieting, for example.
Omega 3 fish oil (or should I say the essential fatty acids) help the hearts of healthy people, people who are in a high risk category and people with heart disease. The omega 3 fatty acids come, in various quantities, from different fish species such as mackerel, trout, herring, tuna and salmon.
There are other oils that can be taken to help with heart disease, or just keeping the heart healthy, and these come from flaxseed, walnuts, canola and soybeans, for example. However, even though the fatty acids these foods release can be converted to omega 3, their benefits to the coronary system have yet to be further studied.
The background for this information goes back to 2002 when the AHA released a scientific statement indicating that omega3 fatty acids -
- decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
- decrease triglyceride levels
- decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
- lower blood pressure (slightly)
What does this mean for the caregiver and your elderly loved one?
These well documented findings on the relation between fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids and heart disease show that to begin with a healthy diet with the right variety of ‘good’ oils is crucial. Obviously, going hand in hand with diet, is exercise. But if there is a history of heart disease in the family then certain events might be out of your control.
Once coronary heart disease is confirmed then supplements may have to be considered. We shall leave you with the closing comment from the AHA on the use of supplements.
“Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable. However, coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get enough omega-3 by diet alone. These people may want to talk to their doctor about taking a supplement. Supplements also could help people with high triglycerides, who need even larger doses. The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their use.”
If you would like more information on heart disease and omega 3 fish oil and fish oil supplements then please visit the website – Mind 1st USA.
Should you be concerned about your loved one and heart disease, and you are the caregiver, then please contact us to see how we can ease your burden with our professionally trained caregiver staff.
