The benefits of fish oil

If you have cholesterol problems and are at risk of getting heart diseases, foods and food supplement rich in fish oil may help prevent serious complications including sudden death.

Researchers from Mayo Clinic say that increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Omega-3 can also help prevent heart diseases by helping lower blood pressure, helping keep the heart in regular rhythm, and reducing the formation of blood clots.

Studies have also found fish oil to significantly reduce the risk of sudden death in people who have already had a heart attack.

Earlier studies that examined the benefits of fish oil found that increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids lessens the risk of heart attacks and other heart diseases.

One of the first studies done among Greenland Eskimos showed that the Eskimos had a lower rate of heart disease than other individuals living in Greenland during that time.

Study investigators said the reduced risk of heart diseases among Eskimos may be attributed to the fact that they had lower intake levels of saturated fat and much higher intake levels of omega-3 fatty acids from their staple food, namely fish, whale and seal.

To increase intake of omega-3, doctors recommend eating at least two servings of fish a week. Fish living in the deep sea like mackerel, albacore tuna and salmon, as well as lake trout, herring and sardines, are found to contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Eating fish alone, however, cannot provide the right amounts of omega-3 that the body needs. Health experts therefore recommend supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids.

Omegabloc, manufactured in the United States and locally distributed by Trianon International Inc., is an omega-3 supplement.

It is recommended that individuals take 2-3 Omegabloc softgels daily after meals to optimize its health benefits. It is available as an over-the-counter product at Mercury, Watson and other leading drug stores nationwide.