Omega-3 and the Heart: How to Improve Cardiac Function
The secret to a strong and healthy heart swims in the depths of the sea. We are not talking about a legend, but a scientific reality: Omega-3, the essential fatty acids contained in fish, have revolutionized our approach to cardiovascular health.
Reduce Cardiovascular Risk with Omega-3
Studies are clear: Omega-3s reduce cardiovascular mortality even at low doses. 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-3? Let's see what the studies say.
Omega-3: Cardioprotective Action on Healthy People
Several clinical studies have highlighted the impressive cardioprotective action of these essential fatty acids.
The Physicians' Health Study found that for those with a healthy heart, having high levels of omega-3s in the blood can reduce the risk of sudden death from cardiovascular events by 81%.
But that’s not all. The MRFIT (Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial) study added another important piece, demonstrating 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 problems.
Omega-3: The Benefits for Those Who Have Suffered a Heart Attack
Are you wondering if Omega-3s can make a difference even for those who have already suffered a heart attack? The answer is yes!
The protective effects of these essential fatty acids stop at nothing, not even a heart attack.
An all-Italian excellence, GISSI (Italian Group for the Study of Survival in Myocardial Infarction), conducted a study on the subject published in the prestigious journal The Lancet . The results?The study authors followed 11,000 patients for over 3.5 years and found that adding 900 milligrams of Omega-3 EPA and DHA to the Mediterranean diet can:
- Reduce overall mortality by 20%.
- Reduce cardiovascular mortality by 30%.
- Reduce the risk of sudden death by 45%.
And that's not all. The DART (Diet and Reinfarction Trial), involving more than 2,000 men, confirmed that those who regularly consume fish reduce their risk of death from heart disease by 29%.
Fish and supplements, the two precious sources of Omega-3
Heart health champions are hidden in the depths of the sea and in small capsules. Whether it's fresh fish, fish oil or supplements, the effectiveness of Omega-3 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 eliminate the benefits of Omega-3s.
That's why our Omega-3 supplements come only from purified fish oil or algae extracts. To have all the power of the sea, without the pitfalls.
