Omega 3s Help Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Omega-3 fatty acids, abundantly present in oily fish such as salmon, are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that has been linked to improvements in blood lipid levels, a reduced tendency of thrombosis, blood pressure and heart rate improvements, and improved vascular function. Matthew P. Pase, from the NICM Centre for Study of Natural Medicines and Neurocognition (Australia), and colleagues reviewed data from ten clinical trials involving omega-3 supplementation and its effects on arterial stiffness.  The team found that omega-3 fatty acids associated with an improvement of pulse wave velocity and arterial compliance, both of which are measures of the stiffness of arteries. Explaining that: “Fish oils, rich in [omega-3 fatty acids], are known to reduce various risk factors for [cardiovascular disease],” the researchers submit that: “Reduction in arterial stiffness by [omega-3 fatty acids] may account for some of its purported cardioprotective effects.