|
|
The Health Benefits of Fish
Fresh from the cool sea
to restore body and mind
nature's healer comes
– Original Haiku by "Vital Choices" reader Ginny Eash
Omega-3s and Human Health
Fish – especially fatty fish like wild Salmon, Tuna, Sardines, and Sablefish – are the only abundant food sources of the "marine" omega-3 fatty acids known as EPA and DHA.
The results of countless studies indicate that these vital food factors promote optimal health.
The American Heart Association (AHA) says that the ways in which omega-3s reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease are still being studied, and that research shows that omega-3s have the following effects:
- Decrease the risk of arrythmias, which can lead to sudden death.
- Decrease triglyceride (blood fat) levels.
- Decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic (arterial) plaque.
- Lower blood pressure (slightly).
The AHA makes these recommendations:
- People without documented coronary heart disease: Enjoy two servings of fish per week.
- Patients with diagnosed coronary heart disease: Consume 1,000 mg (1 gm) of omega-3s daily, preferably from fatty fish or fish oil supplements.
- Patients who need to lower triglycerides: Take 2 to 4 gm of omega-3s daily.
- Patients taking more than 3 gm of omega-3s per day from fish oil capsules should do so only under a physician's guidance.
We would add this caution: Persons diagnosed with heart disease – especially those using implanted cardiac defibrillators or taking blood thinning drugs – should consult a physician before taking supplemental omega-3s or any other dietary supplement.
To see the omega-3 content of selected fish species, click here.
The health benefits of dietary omega-3s are blunted when diets are high in the omega-6 fatty acids that dominate most packaged and restaurant foods and vegetable oils (corn, safflower, soy, canola, cottonseed).
To see the ratio of omega-3s to omega-6 fatty acids in various foods, click here.
See the Vital Choice White Paper for a detailed summary of the health benefits of omega-3s.
You can also visit our newsletter archive and search for articles by health condition (e.g., "heart", "diabetes", "brain").
Other Beneficial Nutrients in Fish
Wild Salmon is also the richest food source of two other valuable food factors:
Back to top
Notable Quotes
Here's what some experts say about the importance of diet and omega-3 fatty acids to your health:
“Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can stop arrhythmia before it triggers sudden death from heart attacks. That makes fish such as salmon as potentially potent as any high tech heart drug and considerably cheaper to stock up on.”
– Dr. Alexander Leaf, Professor Emeritus, Harvard University
“Omega-3 fatty acids have so many biological roles because they are a primary element of health for virtually every cell and organ system in the body. Along with their partners, the omega-6 fatty acids, they keep our bodies in balance, modulating such basic physiological functions as inflammation, cell signaling, blood pressure, immune response, and the electrical excitability of heart and brain cells.”
– Andrew Stoll, Faculty, Harvard Medical School
"By far, the best type of omega-3 fats are those found in fish. That's because the omega-3 in fish is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA, and maintaining high DHA levels can help deter depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and Alzheimer's. Omega-3 is also very important for pregnant women and children, as researchers are now also linking inadequate intake of omega-3 to premature birth and low birth weight, and to hyperactivity in children."
– Joseph Mercola, D.O., founder/director, The Optimal Wellness Center
“My anti-aging patients often start out eating fish two to three times a week. When they see how quickly their skin improves, they are quick to increase their intake to five to seven fish meals a week."
– Nicholas Perricone, M.D., author of The Wrinkle Cure, The Perricone Prescription, The Acne Cure
Back to top
Health and Wellness Resources
Dietary Supplement Information (vitamins, minerals, nutrients*, herbs, nutraceuticals)
Physician's Desk Reference: herbs
Physician's Desk Reference: vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals
MedLinePlus: all supplements and herbs (Natural Standard Research Collaboration)
*For full omega-3 information, also consult the sources below, our Omega-3s White Paper, and our searchable newsletter archive.
Essential Fatty Acids in Health and Chronic Disease (Artemis P. Simopoulos, MD)
Understanding Omega-3s (Reprinted from the Washington Post)
Omega 3s and Cardiac Disease
Harvard Medical School
Mayo Clinic
Protecting women's hearts: An interview with a Mayo Clinic specialist
Prevention of fatal cardiac arrhythmias by polyunsaturated fatty acids
Pregnancy and Nursing
Ask DrSears.com ("America's Pediatrician")
What You Need to Know about Mercury in Fish and Shellfish (EPA)
The Vital Role of Essential Fatty Acids for Pregnant and Nursing Women
Cancer
Omega-3 fatty acids and cancer - Elaine Hardman, PhD (PDF file)
The Omega Diet – Artemis Simopoulos, MD
Fish for Lower Cancer Risk – AICR (PDF file)
Mental Health
American Psychiatric Association 2006 finding on omega-3s for depression and mood disorders
Clinical potential of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of schizophrenia
General Health
American Heart Association A comprehensive overview of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids from a source you can trust.
Ask Dr. Weil A wonderfully rich website with advice, healthy recipes and answers to hundreds of health related questions from Dr. Andrew Weil, one of America’s most respected health and wellness experts.
Weil Foundation All proceeds from Dr. Weil’s website and newsletter go to support this non-profit organization which promotes optimal health and wellness through a holistic “integrative” approach.
Mercola.com One of the world's most visited health sites. Founded, directed and edited by Dr. Joseph Mercola, an internationally renowned physician trained in both natural and conventional medicine and author of The No-Grain Diet. Mercola.com is known for its incredible depth of information on proper diet and nutrition for fighting and preventing disease, losing weight, and living longer.
DrNorthrup.com Christiane Northrup, M.D, is internationally known for her visionary, empowering approach to women's health and wellness. As a practicing physician for over 20 years, Dr. Northrup is a leading proponent of medicine and healing that acknowledges the unity of the mind and body, as well as the powerful role of the human spirit in creating health.
USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center Excellent resource providing RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) and DRI (Daily Recommended Intake) and for dietary nutrients.
HealingWell.com A thriving community and information resource for patients, caregivers, and families coping with diseases, disorders and chronic illness. Intended to help people on their way to "healing well" by offering health resources and interactive tools that enable patient's to take control of their illness and start the healing process.
Intellihealth Aetna Insurance site with information from Harvard Medical School’s Information Service
www.health.gov A portal to the Web sites of a number of multi-agency health initiatives and activities of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal departments and agencies.
Web Md Comprehensive health website.
NOTE: The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes. Consult a health care professional in regard to the personal use of any health-related products, especially if you have any existing medical condition.
Back to top
|
