DHA supplements are certainly something you need to think about, if you’re interested in avoiding cardiovascular disease. DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid, and it’s one of the many omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3’s are essential to good heath. Although DHA is the most prevalent fatty acid in the brain, it’s also seen to play an important roll in avoiding coronary disease. Not only DHA plays this roll, but all omega-3 fatty acids are important when it concerns your heart health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cholesterol
One diet that is high in omega-3’s is the Mediterranean diet. Those who follow this diet generally have high HDL, or “good” cholesterol. One reason is the Mediterranean diet has a fair amount of fish in it. This is further backed up by the fact that Eskimos also generally have high HDL cholesterol. They also consume a lot of cold water, fatty fish. These fish tend to be extremely high in omega-3 essential fatty acids. You might not wish to eat halibut or tuna every day, but you can take fish-oil supplements. Numerous studies have shown that these supplements reduce triglyceride levels. In addition to fish, walnuts are recognized to be high in omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Blood Pressure
There have been several studies which have shown that diets high in omega-3’s or even fish-oil supplements, can lower high blood pressure. You don’t want to self-medicate, however. High Blood Pressure is a serious condition. Make sure you get your doctor’s approval before you do one thing.
Coronary Disease and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
It’s been shown time and time again that diets low in unhealthy fats and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 efas) help prevent cardiovascular disease. There is a lot of clinial evidence that fish-oil, which is high in EPA and DHA (two types of omega-3 efas) help reduce instances of cardiovascular disease and cardiac arrest. In addition, fish-oil has been proven to have a relatively positive effect on lowering triglycerides, risk of death from coronary disease, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms. Fish-oil has also been shown to help mitigate and treat hardening of the arteries through slowing the development of plaque and blood clots.
In other words, fish-oil, which contains considerable amounts of EPA and DHA, is really healthy for you. Since with DHA you get a double whammy effect of helping your heart and brain, you probably want to take into consideration DHA supplements in what you eat. As in all things medical, speak to your doctor first.
Lee Cole is an avid health and exercise enthusiast! To learn more about DHA supplements, take a look at Lee’s website, DHA Supplements Guide.