Fish Oil And The Prevention Of Heart Disease - Two Major Risk Factors Explained

Over the last few years, many studies have been undertaken to find the underlying causes of heart disease and stroke and to ascertain whether or not the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil capsules have a positive role to play in cardiovascular health. In my many years as a natural health researcher, I have found that there is quite a lot of evidence to support the role of molecularly distilled fish oil supplements in improving one's cardiovascular health. In fact, fatty acid supplements are one of the best-researched and most effective supplements one can buy.

Two of the most important factors that have been implicated in heart disease and stroke and can be improved by taking fish oil capsules are:

1. High levels of triglycerides. What are triglycerides? They are a type of fat whose excessive presence in our bloodstream can cause atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Conventional medicine has long known that higher triglyceride levels lower your good cholesterol, thus allowing the excess "bad" cholesterol to stick to your blood vessels. The omega three fatty acids found in fish oil have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to lower triglyceride levels in the blood.

2. High levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is a toxic by-product of your body's own metabolic processes. Recent studies have emerged from several universities and they have found that omega-3 fatty acids can significantly lower homocysteine levels in some people. One such study found of 22% decrease in homocysteine levels after supplementation with omega-3 fish oil in diabetic patients.

So, what is one to do? There is so much information out there that it can be confusing. My strategy is one of balance. First of all, we have to take a top-quality oil that is high in DHA and EPA and low in contaminants. We must choose wisely. There are many products on the market that make a lot of promises but deliver very little. I take a very special fish oil made with fresh Hoki fished in the clean waters off the coast of New Zealand's South Island. I believe that it's the best value product that I have tried. And I have tried some of the best.

I believe that very often, people are looking for a quick fix. I have tried many, so I should know. Many people are upset with the failure of conventional medicine to help them improve their lives. My personal experience has been that using fish-based omega-3 oils and other supplements within the context of a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition and exercise, is the best option for all of us.

Knowing the risk factors of heart disease is the starting point. Then we can modify our behaviors, our thoughts and our eating patterns in order to allow us to live happier, longer lives.