Unless you’ve been living on another planet, the chances are that you will have heard of omega 3 fatty acids. Sometimes, though, that is where the understanding stops. Although you may have heard the name and understood that they are beneficial for your wellness and wellbeing, you may not know what they actually are, or that they can help improve your cardio/heart health.
The power of omega 3 fatty acids cannot be underestimated. These fatty acids are present in lots of different kinds of seafood, such as salmon, and they are also present in a number of vegetable oils. Whilst a lot of research has been done on their beneficial effects on skin car and on the elderly, a new study has shown that they can also have a tremendously beneficial effect on heart health.
There are various different kinds of fatty acids, however, and it’s worth being aware of this. Omega 6 fatty acids are a different thing to omega 3, and whilst in the past they have been hailed as a heart healthy supplement, new research is actually starting to show that they may be detrimental to cardio health. It is a polyunsaturated fats, which is a type of fat that has now been linked to heart disease and death. This may be due to the fact that although it lowers ‘bad cholesterol’ it also contains free radicals which could be a contributing factor in heart disease.
Omega 3, on the other hand, is one of the best nutrients for heart health as it helps to reduce inflammation, lowers the fats that can be found in the blood stream and prevents the blood from clotting too much, as well as preventing the growth of cancer, improving the mood and helping with joint pain.