Omega-3 and the heart: how to improve heart function
The secret to a strong and healthy heart swims in the deep sea. We're not talking about a legend, but a scientific reality: omega-3s, the essential fatty acids found in fish, have revolutionized our approach to cardiovascular health.
Reducing cardiovascular risk with omega-3s
Studies speak for themselves: omega-3s reduce cardiovascular mortality even at low dosages. Research has revealed that regular consumption of fish rich in Omega-3s can in fact halve the risk of fatal cardiovascular events.
But how powerful is the protective action of Omega-3s? Let's take a look at what the studies say.
Omega-3: the cardioprotective action on healthy people
Several clinical studies have highlighted the impressive cardioprotective action of these essential fatty acids.
The Physicians' Health Study revealed that, for those with healthy hearts, having high levels of Omega-3 in the blood can reduce the risk of sudden death from cardiovascular events by 81 percent.
But that's not all. The MRFIT (Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial) study added another important piece, showing that consuming more than 0.7 grams of Omega-3 per day can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 40% in those who have never had heart disease.
Omega-3: the benefits for those who have suffered a heart attack
Are you wondering if Omega-3s can make a difference even in those who have already suffered a heart attack? The answer is yes!
The protective effects of these essential fatty acids stop at nothing, even in the face of a heart attack.
An all-Italian excellence, GISSI (Italian Group for the Study of Survival in Myocardial Infarction), conducted a study in this regard published in the prestigious journal The Lancet. The results?The authors of the research followed 11,000 patients for more than 3 1/2 years and found that Adding 900 milligrams of Omega-3 EPA and DHA to the Mediterranean diet can:
- Reduce total mortality by 20%.
- Lower cardiovascular mortality by 30%.
- Decrease the risk of sudden death by 45%.
And that's not all. The Diet and Reinfarction Trial (DART), involving more than 2,000 men, confirmed that those who regularly consume fish reduce their risk of mortality from heart disease by 29 percent.
Fish and supplements, the two valuable sources of Omega-3s
The champions of heart health are hidden in the deep sea and in small capsules. Whether fresh fish, fish oil or supplements, the effectiveness of Omega-3s is proven by rigorous clinical studies.
However, even the most valuable nutrients can face obstacles. In the case of fish, the challenge comes from environmental contaminants (such as methylmercury) that can be absorbed by fish and reduce or cancel out the benefits of Omega-3s.
Therefore, our Omega-3 supplements come only from purified extracts of fish oil or algae. To get all the power of the sea, without pitfalls.