Regular consumption of omega 3 can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by at least 18% in high-risk populations.
To protect your heart, it is better to give pride of place to omega-3s in your diet. A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reports that these essential fatty acids make it possible to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, even in people at high risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies.
In France in 2011, nearly 35,000 men and women died from a coronary problem, more than half of them from a myocardial infarction. Coronary artery disease is linked to the decrease in blood flow to the heart caused by the presence of plaques of lipids in the arteries. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of cardiac death in Western countries, and according to 2011 data, France has the highest death rate in the European Union, ahead of Portugal, the Netherlands and Spain.
Yet many of these deaths can be prevented through lifestyle changes, including diet. In fact, coronary heart disease is favored by the presence of large amounts of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood, as well as high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity. Numerous studies have shown that by adopting a balanced diet and physical activity, it is possible to prevent the appearance of these risk factors and coronary heart disease. Among the preventive strategies mentioned in the scientific literature, the consumption of omega-3s is one of the main ones cited.
1g of omega-3 for people at risk
And to believe this new work from the EpidStat Institute (United States), these fatty acids contained in nuts, rapeseed oil or fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel) are all good. By analyzing thirty studies involving more than 800,000 participants, the researchers have in fact calculated that EPA and DHA, the main omega-3s, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 16% in people with high concentration of triglycerides, and 14% in patients with high cholesterol. Finally, they show that this risk is reduced by 18% in populations at high risk of coronary heart disease.
These conclusions thus seem to be in line with current nutritional recommendations. These recommend for people prone to coronary artery disease to consume 800 to 1000 mg of omega-3 per day, while for people without apparent risk 500 mg is sufficient.
However, it should be remembered that the consumption of these fatty acids alone cannot reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. All experts agree that it is part of a healthy lifestyle and dietary measures that must be followed over the long term. Swallowing cod liver oil capsules every day will therefore not be enough to protect you.
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