A fishy fact that’s good for the heart

Physicians generally recommend avoiding fatty and oily foods. However, when it comes to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) – the essential fat found in fish oil – the physician may actually recommend taking more of it regularly.

Based on scientific researches, omega-3 PUFA may help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Aside from its proven protection against heart disease, it may also help improve brain function, especially in stressed individuals, relieve arthritis pain in big doses and help in the brain development of premature babies.

According to a study conducted by the world-renowned Gruppo Italiano por lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell’ Infarto Myocardio (GISSI) based in southern Italy, omega-3 PUFA improves clinical outcome in heart patients who just had a heart attack by significantly decreasing total deaths, especially heart-related and sudden deaths. The study was published in Lancet, a prestigious international medical journal.

According to experts, omega-3 PUFA has the capacity to reduce the risk of heart-related diseases in several ways. First, when inside the body, omega-3 produces a substance called "prostacylin" that prevents blood from being sticky and avoids blood clot that can cause heart attack and stroke. It also enhances the high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is also known as the good fat, preventing the blocking of the arteries of the heart and brain.

"People who have suffered heart attacks can reduce their risk of heart-related death by 30 percent through an intake of fish oil capsule everyday," said Dr. Roberto Marchioli, head of the GISSI study.

The two-year GISSI study enrolled 11,324 patients surviving a heart attack in the preceding three months. The subjects were divided into four groups and were randomly given supplementation of omega-3 PUFA and vitamin E, or none at all.

In the same study, subjects who were given vitamin E supplementation showed no significant cardiovascular benefit.

Considered a landmark in cardiovascular treatment, the GISSI study corroborated previous works on the beneficial effect of omega-3 to the heart.

An earlier study authored by Professor W. Newman of New Orleans, USA was conducted among the Eskimos of Greenland and Innuits of Alaska and Canada. It showed that the main reason why these Arctic dwellers have healthy hearts and are practically immune to heart disease is because they have a very high level of omega-3 in their blood. Whale blubber, seal and walrus are their staple marine diet and are all good sources of omega-3 PUFA.

Because of its scientifically documented benefits, omega-3 is now popular among health buffs and health practitioners alike. A daily dose of two to three softgels of omega-3 supplement is recommended for those who suffered from a heart attack and those who have risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a strong family history of heart disease.

In the Philippines, one of the most doctor-prescribed omega-3 brands is Omegabloc taken by many for the prevention of heart attack and other heart-related illnesses at a dose of two to three softgel capsules daily. It is available as an over-the-counter food supplement in Mercury Drug Store outlets nationwide.