Originally published August 6 2005
Fatty acids from fish are still best
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Omega-3 fatty acids should be a requirement for any healthy diet and can be found best in fish.
For most folks, fish is the hands-down winner.
But flax is a healthful addition to the diet.
And if you don't eat fish, or can't consume the quantities needed to treat certain health conditions, fish oil might be a reasonable alternative.
The agency wrote its report at the request of the Office of Dietary Supplements, a branch of the National Institutes of Health.
Your body directly and reliably uses the pre-formed omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's recent review of 39 studies confirms regularly eating fish is good for the heart of healthy people and those with cardiovascular disease.
Benefits include less plaque buildup in coronary artery walls, lower levels of blood fats linked to heart disease such as triglycerides, and fewer heart arrhythmias that may lead to sudden death.
Disadvantages | Mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, from contaminated waters can accumulate in certain types of fish.
For information on choosing the safest and most healthful fish, consult the American Heart Association.
Supplements containing fish oil come in capsules or liquid concentrate that can be used therapeutically for certain health conditions.
With monitoring for side effects, these patients are able to consume larger amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than they could otherwise obtain from food.
Excess bleeding is a risk, especially in patients taking blood-thinning drugs.
Diarrhea, indigestion and a fishy aftertaste are other potential problems.
Fish oil supplements also have the same contamination risks as fresh fish.
Advantages | Certain plant foods such as flaxseed, canola, soybeans and walnuts are a healthful source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.
The Heart Association recommends eating at least two 3-ounce servings of fish each week.
And it's prudent to consult your doctor before taking supplements.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml