Fish Oil and Cholesterol - Is There a Positive Correlation?

Many studies to establish a correlation between fish oil and cholesterol display positive results. However, these results require careful examination, as there are some false impressions about whether omega-3 fish oil actually benefits the lipid profile, which includes different tests of your total cholesterol.

According to several studies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that omega-3 oil doesn't lower cholesterol levels. Out of 24 studies, the FDA didn't see lower cholesterol levels in 23 studies. In fact, results indicated a slight increase in several of these studies.

However, in these tests, the FDA concluded that the total cholesterol elevations were due to slightly worsening low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol levels, not worsening of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol levels. Indeed, the FDA determined that fish oil increases the "good" cholesterol.

In addition to the improvements seen in the "good" cholesterol, the FDA saw substantial improvements in the triglyceride levels, which are among the lipids in which body fat is stored.

As it turns out, there is a positive correlation between fish oil and cholesterol, but fish oil doesn't necessarily reduce total cholesterol levels. As stated before, it increases HDL and reduces triglycerides, thereby improving the lipid profile.

Increase in HDL is important because it helps the liver to move LDL from your body. Keeping triglyceride levels down is also important because triglycerides contain very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), which turns into LDL.

So what can you do to increase your chances of reducing "bad" cholesterol? Eat a healthy diet, do not consume too many unhealthy fats, and supplement with omega-3 capsules daily. If you are taking any medicines, do not discontinue them. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related changes, especially if you want to discontinue any medicines. Doing so without your doctor's approval could cause serious health complications.

Taking omega-3 oil daily can, in addition to improving your lipid profile, reduce your chances of developing coronary heart disease and enhance your heart health. This fact has been validated by the American Heart Association (AHA).

According to scientific studies, medical professionals have discovered that fish oil contains essential fatty acids that are referred to as omega-3 fatty acids. They prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases and improve lipid profiles. This assertion is also evident in observations of subjects, such as the Eskimos, who eat diets rich in the omega-3 fatty acids.

If you are interested in receiving benefits as seen in the correlation between fish oil and cholesterol, consider taking a high-quality supplement. Before taking one, make sure it has been purified through molecular distillation or another effective means. Any fish oil that is not purified could include toxins like mercury, PCBs, and dioxin.

Rob Donner is a dedicated researcher and long-time user of healthyfishoil.info fish oil. To learn more about the benefits of fish oil supplements, visit his site at healthyfishoil.info healthyfishoil.info now.