What is omega 3
Omega-3 fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids are very important in preventing and managing heart disease.
Omega-3 is a family of fats that are important for health. Omega-3 fats come in different forms:ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) cannot be made in the body so must be eaten in our diet. It has important functions and is needed to make other omega- 3 fats. ALA is found mainly in vegetable oils (rapeseed and linseed), nuts (walnuts and pistachio) and green leafy vegetables.EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) are long chain fats that can be made from ALA in our bodies. They have the most direct health benefits
Findings show omega-3 fish oil may help to:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce triglycerides
- Slow the development of plaque in the arteries
- Reduce the chance of abnormal heart rhythm
- Reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke
- Lessen the chance of sudden cardiac death in people with heart disease
Side effects from omega-3 fish oil may include:
- a fishy taste in your mouth
- fishy breath
- stomach upset
- loose stools
- nausea
Taking more than 3 grams of fish oil daily may increase the risk of bleeding.
If you want to take higher doses of omega-3 fish oil supplements, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can guide you in supplementing your diet with omega-3 fish oil. Also, your doctor can monitor all aspects of your health if you take higher doses of fish oil. For people with very high triglyceride levels, prescription fish oil medicines are also available.
