Ever since the early 80s, there has been serious study concerning cholesterol and omega 3 and researchers have found that Eskimos had a lower rate of heart diseases even though they consumed higher diets that were rich in fat that consisted mostly of fish. No doubt, fat is an essential requirement of the body as it helps in nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, maintains cell membrane integrity and more. However, it needs to be consumed within limits since excess fat results in overweight bodies, heart diseases as well as certain forms of cancer.
Helps Lower Triglycerides As Well As Increases Good Cholesterol
Cholesterol and omega 3 can be complimentary given the fact that omega 3 fatty acids are poly-unsaturated fatty acids, and 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 and it is also believed that they can help reduce high blood pressure.
Omega 3 has many health benefits since it contributes to a healthy nervous system, and helps in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death. There are some scientists of the belief 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 just do not consume enough of omega 3, which is a fat that is essential to good health and is found in fish oil as well as some other foods.
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 70s, 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 can help control cholesterol.
However, one does not need to be an Eskimo and would be just as beneficial if one consumed omega 3 fatty acids such as flaxseeds, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil. Omega 3 fatty acids can control cholesterol and are well known for their ability to lower triglyceride levels as well as reduce blood pressure and lessen the risk of blood clots. To control cholesterol with omega 3 foods, doctors recommend taking two servings of fish per week and mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna as well as salmon are especially recommended.
