Omega-3 Alternatives - RealAge Tip of the Day

Yahoo! Mail - mariezimm@yahoo.com

Monday, June 6
Omega-3 Alternatives

If you want heart-healthy omega-3s, fish oil is not your
only option.

Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a reduced risk of
dangerous heart arrhythmias, and fish oil supplements are a
great source. However, a new study shows omega-3-rich soy
oil supplements may provide those heart-health benefits,
too, albeit to a smaller degree. Speak to your healthcare
provider about the best supplements for you.

RealAge Benefit: Eating a low-fat diet -- and eating healthful unsaturated fats when you do eat fat -- can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.

MORE:
Foods rich in omega-3 fats include walnuts; flaxseeds; certain vegetable oils such as canola oil, mustard oil, flaxseed oil, and soybean oil; and certain seafood items such as salmon, oysters, herring, and cod. Omega-3 fats decrease blood levels of triglycerides, inhibit inflammation, help prevent the formation of arterial plaques, and improve blood vessel function. A new study of 58 elderly nursing home residents reveals omega-3s may help prevent potentially fatal heart arrhythmias. In the study, half of the group received 2 grams of fish oil capsules per day for 6 months while the other half received the same schedule of soy oil capsules. Both groups experienced increased heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the beat-to-beat changes in heart rate that may help protect the heart from life-threatening cardiac events. The fish oil group experienced the greatest increase in HRV rate, which could correlate to a decreased risk for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. Regular exercise helps increase HRV as well.

REFERENCE:
Cardiac autonomic changes associated with fish oil vs soy oil supplementation in the elderly.
Holguin, F., Tellez-Rojo, M. M., Lazo, M., Mannino, D., Schwartz, J., Hernandez, M., Romieu, I., Chest 2005 Apr;127(4):1102-1107