Reduce Cholesterol and Triglycerides with Omega-3 from Algae Oil
Cholesterol and Triglycerides: Omega-3 from Algal Oil Lowers Their Levels
The Omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) extracted from algae can promote heart health by increasing levels of “good” cholesterol and reducing triglycerides. This conclusion is confirmed by an analysis conducted by experts from Harvard University (Boston, USA) and the Cleveland Clinic (Lyndhurst, USA), published in the Journal of Nutrition. The review of scientific literature data allowed the authors to conclude that consuming about 1.7 grams per day of DHA derived from algae is associated with a 15% reduction in triglycerides and a 5% increase in “good” cholesterol. The same amount of Omega-3 also causes an increase in the size of “bad” cholesterol particles, thereby reducing their harmfulness.
Omega-3, Heart Health through Diet
In addition to reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and vascular problems in those who consume high amounts, Omega-3 fatty acids prevent damage to heart tissue caused by heart attacks and reduce related mortality. Eating foods containing Omega-3, such as fatty fish mackerel, salmon and halibut, is therefore helpful to improve and strengthen one’s health. There are also plant-based sources of Omega-3: flaxseeds and algae can serve as sources of these nutrients.
Omega-3 to Reduce Triglycerides and Increase “Good” Cholesterol
The authors of the research, led by Adam Bernstein, selected 11 clinical trials conducted on healthy subjects without heart disease, who took algal oil containing extracted DHA. The combined data from these studies confirmed the cardiovascular health benefits of this Omega-3, showing a 15% reduction in triglyceride levels and a 5% increase in “good” cholesterol. Alongside these beneficial effects, an 8% increase in “bad” cholesterol was also observed. However, the researchers explain that 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 increase in “bad” cholesterol levels, the overall effect corresponds to clear benefits for cardiovascular health. Additionally, the authors noted that the changes in cholesterol levels achievable with DHA derived from algae are similar to those resulting from taking 4 grams per day of the same Omega-3 in purified form. The latter, also associated with the presence of larger “bad” cholesterol particles, represents another possible remedy to reduce heart health risks. The cardiovascular health benefits hidden in DHA from algal oil are also in line with those from other Omega-3 rich oils. Other positive effects associated with the intake of these nutrients concern 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
