Fish Oil: The Cardiovascular Superstar

Beginning in the 1970s, Danish researchers discovered that Greenland Eskimos had a low incidence of heart attacks compared to Westerners. The Danes linked the hardiness of Eskimo hearts to a diet abundant in fish oil, which they felt had potential anti-atherosclerotic benefits. This original study has inspired more than 4,500 scientific investigations of omega-3 fatty acids on metabolism and health, and resulted in repeated confirmation of its ability to ward off cardiovascular problems.

Like many other cardiologists and holistic health practitioners, I’ve been using omega-3 fish oil for many years in my practice. It’s one supplement that I regard as absolutely essential for the cardiovascular health of all my patients because the omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) do so many great things in the body. Here’s a short list of their benefits:

• Decreases and helps maintain healthy triglycerides.
• Lowers and helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
• Reduces arterial wall inflammation.
• Improves endothelial function.
• Makes blood less sticky and less likely to form clots.
• Stabilizes plaque, and may help prevent plaque rupture.
• Contributes to the bioenergy of the heart muscle.

It’s important to choose a quality fish oil supplement. Because our ocean waters are getting more polluted, fish can be contaminated with heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Also, the large factory ships that catch the fish don’t do a very good job of processing it right away, which means oils can oxidize even before they’re put into capsules.

Look for a fish oil product that can guarantee freshness, preferably one that includes antioxidants such as rosemary extract and vitamin E to ensure stability and freshness.

Recommended dose: If you have any cardiovascular condition, take 2–4 grams daily.

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