Greenland Eskimos were found to have very low rates of heart disease; therefore doctors looked at their diet and determined that fish oil was the reason for this healthier state of affairs. Learn why doctors think that Omega-3 Fatty Acids could reduce the chances of you having a heart attack. Discover the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of fish for each week.
Heart Attack Risks
Millions of Americans suffer heart attacks, which can be due to an inadequate supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, according to WebMD. Doctors blame the buildup of fatty, plaque deposits inside the coronary arteries. Blood clots might become so enlarged around the plaque that they prevent any blood from flowing to the heart. A coronary artery spasm could also be the cause of a heart attack.
As a result of numerous scientific studies, doctors will suggest that you eat foods that are low in cholesterol to keep your arteries open. But, it becomes more difficult because there are different types of cholesterol. Learn about which cholesterol is good and which is bad.
Low-Density versus High-Density Cholesterol
Originally, doctors merely told their patients to cut down on eating too much cholesterol. Gradually, the understanding of the medical community became more fine-tuned as they differentiated between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. They have since taught that HDL is good and LDL is bad.
Cholesterol must be carried by lipoproteins through your body because it does not dissolve naturally in your blood. The HDL is able to flow through your body more easily than LDL. The LDL can cause the artery plaque build-up that can cause heart disease or strokes.
Doctors suggest that you find foods that are high in HDL for the best health benefit. There are also foods that assist your body in reducing your bad cholesterol levels. A combination of both types of foods might be best.
Low Cholesterol Foods
Foods that can reduce the bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, include soy foods, beans, dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, whole grains, and fish. The primary fish that are low in cholesterol include albacore tuna, salmon, lake trout, herring, mackerel, sardines, and halibut, according to Reference and WebMD. And, these some of these fish constitute the core of the Eskimo diet.
Doctors don’t recommend that you avoid protein altogether. They want you to have a well-balanced diet. Doctors are simply suggesting that you replace bad high cholesterol red meat with good low cholesterol fish.
One important point about the healthy fish listed is that many of these are canned. You can find tuna, herring, mackerel, and sardines in tins, which might last for years. This ensures that you always have some healthy fish in your home.
Fish Oil Supplements
Doctors believe that eating Omega-3 Fatty Acids can provide you with the nutrients to reduce heart disease risk. The health benefits of these supplements are many, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA suggests that individuals should eat Omega-3 Fatty Acid fish at least twice a week.
Another health benefit of fish oil is that it might reduce inflammation. Doctors have discovered that inflammation can damage your blood vessels; and consequently, inflammation could lead to strokes and other types of heart disease. Other benefits include reduction of triglycerides, lowering of blood pressure, blood clot reduction and improvement of irregular heartbeats.
If you don’t have fish readily available, then you can purchase popular Omega-3 fish oil supplements at your local health store.
Well Balanced Diet Is Best
Different food groups have different nutrients that are good for your body. A well-balanced diet that includes fish might be the best way to improve your heart health. Adding fish oil supplements can’t hurt.
Doctors have documented the health benefits of fish. Many modern diets have very high levels of fat and cholesterol. Perhaps, the concept of Fish on Fridays also had some health benefits to it.