Reduce cholesterol and triglycerides with Omega-3 from algae oil

Cholesterol and triglycerides: Omega-3s from seaweed oil lower their levels

Omega three docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) extracted from algae may promote heart health by increasing levels of "good" cholesterol and reducing those of triglycerides. Confirming the results obtained in a series of previous studies is the analysis conducted by experts from Harvard University (Boston, USA) and the Cleveland Clinic (Lyndhurst, USA), published in the pages of the Journal of Nutrition. By reworking data in the scientific literature, the authors of this analysis concluded that consumption of about 1.7 grams per day of DHA obtained from algae is associated with a 15% reduction in triglycerides and a 5% increase in "good" cholesterol. The same amount of the Omega-3 also causes an increase in the size of "bad" cholesterol particles, thus reducing their dangerousness.

Omega-3, heart health through nutrition

In addition to reducing the incidence of cardiovascular and vessel disease in those who consume high amounts, Omega-3 fatty acids prevent the damage induced in cardiac tissue by heart attack and counteract the mortality associated with it. Eating foods that contain Omega-3, such as fatty fish mackerel, salmon and halibut, is therefore helpful in improving and strengthening one's health. There are also plant sources of Omega-3: flaxseed and seaweed can be a source from which to obtain these nutrients.

Omega-3 to reduce triglycerides and increase "good" cholesterol

The research authors, led by Adam Bernstein, selected 11 clinical trials conducted on healthy subjects, not suffering from heart disease, who took algae oil containing extracted DHA. Cross-referencing the data obtained in these studies confirmed the benefits of this Omega-3 for cardiovascular health, noting a 15 percent reduction in triglyceride levels and a 5 percent increase in "good" cholesterol. Alongside these beneficial effects, an 8 percent increase in "bad" cholesterol was also observed. However, the researchers explain, this increase is associated with an increase in the size of "bad" cholesterol particles, a phenomenon that reduces the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Net benefits for the heart

According to the researchers, despite the increased levels of "bad" cholesterol, the combination of these effects corresponds to undoubted benefits for cardiovascular health. Furthermore, the authors commented that the changes in cholesterol levels achievable with DHA obtained from algae are similar to those resulting from taking 4 grams per day of the same Omega-3, but in a purified form. The latter, also associated with the presence of larger "bad" cholesterol particles, is another possible remedy for reducing heart health risks. The cardiovascular health benefits hidden in the DHA present in seaweed oil are also consistent with those from the intake of other Omega-3-rich oils. Other positive effects associated with the intake of these nutrients relate to other cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, platelet aggregation, and inflammation.    

Source 

1. Bernstein AM, Ding EL, Willett WC, Rimm EB, "A meta-analysis shows that docosahexaenoic acid from algal oil reduces serum triglycerides and increases HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in persons without coronary heart disease," J Nutr. 2012 Jan;142(1):99-104. Epub 2011 Nov 23