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Cholesterol - Omega 3 Fatty Acids and High Cholesterol

The study of cholesterol and omega 3 fatty acids has been ongoing since the early 1980s. Researchers have found that Eskimos had a lower rate of heart disease even though their diet was high in fat. The fact that their diet consisted mostly of fish was a key factor in those results. Even though fat is an essential requirement of the body because it helps in nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, maintains cell membrane integrity and more, it needs to be consumed within limits because excess fat results in overweight bodies, heart disease and certain forms of cancer.

Cholesterol and omega 3 can be complimentary given the fact that omega 3 fatty acids are poly-unsaturated fatty acids. According to studies a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids can help to lower triglycerides as well as increase HDL (good) cholesterol. There are other benefits of omega 3 fatty acids such as acting as anticoagulants that help prevent blood clots. It is also believed that they can help reduce high blood pressure. Omega 3 fatty acids have many health benefits because it contributes to a healthy nervous system and helps in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death. There are some scientists that believe that cholesterol and omega 3 go hand in hand because omega 3 fatty acids help to improve the blood lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels. People in the United States do not consume enough of omega 3 according to many studies.

Omega 3 found in cod liver oil as well as fish oil helps reduce bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol. According to studies conducted in the 1970s the Greenland Eskimos were found to have lower heart disease rates as compared to other inhabitants of Greenland and the difference could be attributed to the fact that Eskimos consumed less saturated fat and more omega 3 fatty acids that are found in fish as well as whale and seal meats. This clearly establishes that omega 3 fatty acids can help control cholesterol.

You do not need to be an Eskimo to benefit frorm omega 3 fatty acids. Consuming foods such as flaxseeds, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil are good substitutes. Omega 3 fatty acids can control cholesterol and are well known for their ability to lower triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure and lessen the risk of blood clots. To control cholesterol with omega 3 foods, doctors recommend having two servings of fish per week. Mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are especially recommended because of the high levels of omega 3 fatty acids.


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