Studies have shown that a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids can lower triglycerides (bad cholesterol), prevent blood from clotting and lower high blood pressure. All these facts may help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel and tuna. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating fish twice a week. Other sources of omega 3 are flax seed oil, walnuts, green leaf vegetables and canola oil.
Other studies revealed the following facts:
* Omega 3 alters the production of prostaglandins in the body
* Omega 3 inhibits the production of thromboxane A2
* Omega 3 inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines
These changes tend to prevent blood from clotting, which in turn helps to prevent heart attacks (fatal ones). Omega 3 also seems to reduce the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and to stabilize the membranes of heart muscle cells.
