Fish oil supplements, rich in omega-3 fats, can help regulate healthy cholesterol levels in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease. Studies show that fish oil can increase good cholesterol levels while lowering harmful cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Vegan sources of omega-3 fats are also healthy but less effective.
Fish oil, whether derived from salmon, cod or krill, is a natural supplement that has been shown to be beneficial for a number of related health conditions, including helping to regulate healthy cholesterol levels in the blood. The main connection between fish oil and cholesterol-lowering abilities lies in omega-3 fats, present in large amounts in fish and fish oil supplements. Most fish oil supplements, such as krill oil or cod liver oil, contain an easily absorbed omega-3 fat that has been shown to directly affect cholesterol levels positively. Since fish oil can increase good cholesterol levels in the body while lowering harmful cholesterol, it is considered a heart-healthy supplement.
Scientific studies on heart health and human cholesterol levels have shown that high-density lipoproteins, known as good cholesterol, react favorably to the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to the diet. Fish oil is a rich source of easily absorbed omega-3 fatty acids and has been shown to increase good cholesterol levels in the body. Fish oil and cholesterol levels are often studied directly in nutritional research focused on heart health and its ability to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Since high levels of bad cholesterol, known as low-density lipoproteins, are sometimes responsible for heart disease, it’s important to note that fish oil can lower these levels in the body.
Fish oil and cholesterol research studies often include data on the effects of triglyceride levels in the body and their relationship to disease prevention. Triglycerides, also known as blood fats, are often tested along with cholesterol levels, and high levels of these fats can become oxidized, causing inflammation and contributing to heart disease. Most of the data on fish oil and cholesterol show that the omega-3 fats in fish oil can lower triglyceride levels in many people. It is not fully understood how the mechanisms of omega-3 fats work to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, however, many doctors agree that fish oil should be included in many diets.
The cholesterol in fish oil supplements is relatively low; however, consuming the low dietary cholesterol levels in fish, accompanied by omega-3 fats, has not been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. Although many nuts and seeds contain omega-3 fats, it is primarily alpha-linolenic acid, which the body has a hard time converting into heart-healthy docosahexaenoic acid omega-3 fats. Vegan sources, though difficult to convert to the most usable sources, are still healthy and also add a good amount of protein and fiber to the diet. Doctors and nutritionists often recommend fish oil and cholesterol-lowering medications in cases where diet and exercise aren’t enough.
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