Can I get the same Omega-3 fatty acid benefits from fish oil pills as from eating fish?
The fatty acids in seafood differ from those found in plant and animal sources. A large percentage of the fat in seafood is omega-3 fatty acids, a type of highly polyunsaturated fat found almost exclusively in fish. Omega-3’s discourage many processes involved in heart disease: • Omega-3’s make blood clotting more difficult, thereby preventing the attack itself. • Omega-3 fatty acids relax our arteries, help keep them from becoming clogged and improve blood circulation in the heart. • Omega-3’s can lower blood fats and blood pressure, which makes a heart attack less likely. They also help keep arteries open by discouraging the buildup of “plaque” in our blood vessels. • Eating fish not only provides omega-3’s but can lower saturated fat intake. Both effects lower the risk of heart disease. • Taking fish oil capsules, a short cut to obtaining dietary omega-3’s, actually increases our fat intake. (It has no effect on our saturated fat intake). The safety of fish oil capsules has not been
