It is widely recognized that the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, EPA and
ALA, are vital nutrients. Medical literature contains volumes of
research data that underscore the advantages of omega-3 fatty acids as a
natural home remedy for preventing and combating heart disease.
Omega-3s have demonstrated their ability to lower pulse pressure,
improve the regulation of blood pressure, improve levels of lipids,
reduce inflammation, prevent the accumulation of arterial plaque and
lower the possibility of sudden death by heart attack. Because of these
proven advantages, the American Heart Association suggests having two
servings of fatty fish each week. However, this is not the healthiest
method for getting our omega-3 dose.
Are Fish the Best Source of Omega-3s?
The
first thing to consider is that fish, especially fatty fish, are
contaminated with mercury and dioxin. This is so problematic that
pregnant women are advised not to eat fish in order to prevent damage to
the baby's brain from mercury poisoning. Fish are high in cholesterol
(cholesterol comes only from animal products). Many persons experience
problems in digesting oils from fish because they easily become rancid
and have an unpleasant fishy taste. Fish oils that have been purified
are one solution to this. However, the elevated demand for fish oils is
putting our ocean fish at risk. An excellent alternative to fish oil is
flax seed oil which is plant based. Supplemental algae-based DHA is yet
another option. Both of these omega-3 sources offer one of the best
natural home remedies for heart disease.
Omega-3s Are More Than a Natural Heart Disease Remedy - These Are Some of the Additional Advantages:
1.
They are essential for nursing and pregnant women as well as children
to promote healthy fetal and childhood vision and brain development.
2. A number of studies on animals have demonstrated that omega-3s have curative and preventative effect on Parkinson's disease.
3. The occurrence of depression is reduced.
4. Memory is improved and risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia is decreased.
Some Things You Can Do To Get Enough Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Due
to the fact that a limited quantity of ALA is converted to EPA and even
a smaller amount to DHA, one can take a DHA supplement that is derived
from algae. Include plant derived sources of omega-3s in your diet such
as ground flax seeds, cold pressed flax seed oil, walnuts, hempseeds and
chia seeds. You can add one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds to your diet
every day.
Heart Disease and Inflammation
It
has been shown by medical research that the cause of most heart attacks
is not from hardened plaque deposits. Heart attacks are caused by
inflammation throughout the vascular system. Small pustules form and
erupt which, in turn, cause a clot which then breaks loose causing the
heart attack. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have a significant
anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body including the
cardio-vascular system. The ultimate cure and prevention of heart
disease is diet. A plant based diet which avoids processed foods such as
oil, sugar and white flour, will actually reverse heart disease. A
number of studies have demonstrated this including work by Dr. Dean
Ornish, MD and Dr. John McDougall, MD.
