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How
do they work?
EPA
- helps make the platelets in blood less sticky which in turn could
help prevent the build-up of plaque otherwise leading to a heart
attack or stroke.
DHA
- may help stabilize heart rhythm; potentially important for people
recovering from heart attacks. May help regulate cell membrane
functions involved in transmitting signals among brain cells.
What
are the potential benefits?
Heart
disease control:
In
Chicago's Western Electric Study (over 2,000 men) the risk of death
from heart attack was half the usual rate among those who ate an
average of about 8 ounces of fish (2 servings) a week. Other recent
research suggests that just one serving a week of
"fattier" fish, like salmon or mackerel, could cut the
chance of cardiac arrest by 50% in folks with weakened hearts.
Rheumatoid
arthritis relief:
Some
patients taking omega-3 supplements report less joint pain and less
morning stiffness. There does not seem to be a benefit with the more
common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis. The American College of
Rheumatology recommends eating fish more often, but is holding
judgement on supplements until more is known about long term safety.
Healthy
brain function:
These
fats may be helpful in mood and brain disturbances. For example,
recent research at Purdue University showed that boys with attention
deficit disorder who had lower levels of omega-3 fats in their
brains had more behavior problems. Studies are underway to see if
omega-3 supplements can improve the boys' behavior. It clearly seems
to work for some. The researchers advise adding more fish into
children's diets until more is known about the long term safety of
supplements.
Colitis
fighter:
Bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis lead
to pain, weight loss, and tremendous suffering. Washington
University reseachers in St. Louis saw dramatic improvement with
fish oil supplements, including weight gain, less inflamation, and
less need for medications such as prednisone.
Blood
triglyceride control :
Fish oil supplements may be helpful in lowering blood triglyceride
levels in patients with high blood levels.
Cancer
fighter: Omega-3s
suppress tumor growth in animals. Japanese women have only a third
as much breast cancer as American women. Heavy use of foods such as
fish and soy in the Japanese diet may be responsible. A recent study
of 25 women showed that supplemental fish oil could change the ratio
of fats in breast tissue.
Nelson
Laboratories Omega-3 Fish Oil concentrate is manufactured under
strict quality control and is screened to ensure the absence of
potentially harmful contaminants.
Omega-3
is typically derived from concentrated fish oils of salmon,
sardines, anchovies, and mackerel fish.
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