How can fish oil and cholesterol reduction be related? When people are told that their cholesterol level is too high, they are generally advised to reduce their dietary intake of fat. But, oils are triglycerides or fats. So, how could that be healthy? It has to do with the type of fat that is found in the fishes!
There is a group of long-chain polyunsaturated fats known as omega3s. Dietary sources include some types of vegetable oils and fish. But, the concentration of omega3s in most vegetable oils is very low. They mostly provide the polyunsaturated fats called omega6s.
Unlike saturated and trans-fatty acids, omega6s and 3s are essential to the human diet; the human body cannot produce them. They must be acquired through the diet. Studies have shown that the average diet in industrialized societies is too high in omega6, saturated and trans-fatty acids, but too low in omega3s. This results in high blood triglycerides and an imbalance in cholesterol levels.
Studies have shown that fish oil and cholesterol, as well as total triglyceride reduction, are related. This is because omega3s are denser particles that float through the bloodstream without becoming stuck to the walls of the arteries. They assist in carrying lower density (LDL) particles out of the bloodstream and back to the liver for disposal.
In different studies, reductions of 5-15% have been seen. Of course, it all depends on the person's diet.
If a person eats a lot of fatty fish like salmon, every day, the triglyceride reduction will not be seen. But, generally speaking, people who do get a lot of fish in their diets do not have high triglycerides or imbalanced cholesterol levels anyway. So, you might say that fish oil and cholesterol reduction are only connected if a person eats mostly beef or other kinds of meat. But, other health benefits may be seen.
Fishermen were the first people to start taking the oils on a regular basis to reduce pain in their joints. Scientific research has shown that the oils have anti-inflammatory activity. A recent scientific comparison showed that supplements containing the natural triglycerides had more anti-inflammatory activity than supplements that contain a concentrated molecularly distilled type.
As yet there is no explanation for the difference in anti-inflammatory activity. The concentrated oils provide more omega3s than are present in the natural triglycerides. It is likely that the heat of molecular distillation destroys some of the nutritional value. Cooking foods typically lowers their nutritive value.
When it comes to fish oil and cholesterol reduction, we know that it is the omega3 content that is most important. The better manufacturers take this into account and combine the natural triglycerides with concentrated oils in order to provide a large amount of omega3s and the highest level of anti-inflammatory activity.
Reducing inflammation is important not only for relieving painful joints, but also for reducing the damage that time can do to the body's organs. Now that you know a little more about fish oil and cholesterol reduction, take the time to learn about the other benefits and how to choose a good supplement.
Lauren Casey is a consumer advocate and a dedicated researcher who has been on a quest to find omega-3-guides.com the best nutritional supplements available. After extensive research, she has found an exceptional nutritional supplement that is now a part of the foundation of her own health program. Visit her website at omega-3-guides.com omega-3-guides.com/ to discover what she personally recommends and why.
No comments:
Post a Comment