A key area where the association of omega 3 intake and prevention of disease is well known and extremely well researched is heart disease.
In March 2005 the United Kingdom’s regulatory body for health claims on foods, the Joint Health Claims Initiative (JHCI), ruled that oil-rich fish could be promoted with a positive message about its beneficial effects on the heart. This is thanks to the presence of long-chain polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, which are found in oil-rich fish.
| The role that omega 3 plays in heart health is summarised as follows: | |
| • | Lowering of blood pressure |
| • | Protecting against sudden cardiac death |
| • | Lowering of blood fat levels |
| • | Preventing fatal blood clots |
| • | Maintaining blood vessel dilation |
| • | Anti-inflammatory effects such as increasing the plaque stability on artery walls so that they are less likely to rupture |
| • | Improving the vascular endothelial function |
| • | Reducing the risk of hardened arteries |
| • | Improved insulin sensitivity |
The summation of these functions is that there could be an overall reduction in heart disease, including a lower risk of heart attacks and sudden death, as well as better outcomes for those who already suffer from heart disease. There is an abundance of evidence to support these outcomes, and further studies are still being done to find the full benefits of omega 3 in heart health.
Additionally, heart organisations have been advocating the consumption of oil-rich fish / omega 3 in cardiovascular patients for over a decade. As part of Help a Heart Week (June 4th – 12th 2005) the British Heart Foundation (BHF) warned women of the dangers of heart disease, as it kills more women than breast cancer. The BHF suggests that, along with regular exercise, some of the best ways to help prevent heart disease is to reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet and to eat oil-rich fish.
British Heart Foundation
www.bhf.org.uk/
Help a Heart Week
www.bhf.org.uk/helpaheart/