Fish Oil and Cholesterol: The Connection

Many people are now interested in knowing the health connection between fish oil and cholesterol. Today there is sufficient evidence to suggest that fish oil is helpful in promoting healthy cholesterol. Let us discuss in detail as to how it gives you healthy levels of cholesterol.  

Blood cholesterol is important for our body as it acts as a vehicle for transporting hormones and nutrients to various cells in the body. However, too much of cholesterol is not good for our body as it can cause arterial blockage leading to several heart problems.

Types of cholesterol (LDL and HDL)

Our body has two types of cholesterol: the LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol that is often considered as bad cholesterol and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol sticks to the arterial walls, whereas HDL interacts with the LDL cholesterol to keep it from depositing itself in the arteries. Ideally, the levels of LDL in the blood should be around 100, while HDL levels should be at least 50. Good cholesterol means that there is a perfect balance between your LDL and HDL levels.

So, what can happen if our cholesterol levels continue to remain high? Well, high cholesterol means that you are at risk to develop heart disease. Your arteries can get clogged as LDL gets deposited in them, which can even lead to fatal heart attack.

Fish oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that help in promoting healthy cholesterol levels in the body. This fact has been proved by many studies conducted in the past few years to ascertain the connection between fish oil and cholesterol. Even Mayo Clinic recommends eating fatty fish due to its high level of Omega-3 fatty acids as it reduces risk or developing blood clots and blood pressure. (Mayo Clinic)

Raising the levels of "Good Cholesterol"

Actually, omega-3 does not lower the total cholesterol. It works by increasing the levels of good cholesterol in your blood (HDL) by 7 to 14 points, depending upon the consumption. High levels of HDL mean that there is sufficient cholesterol to counter the bad effects of LDL. In fact, fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids can lower your risk of heart disease by as much as 36 percent.   

Mostly doctors would recommend you to take omega-3 supplements. Studies on omega-3 fish oil and its effects on cholesterol levels have been encouraging, with several patients testifying that their cholesterol levels have been regulated since they started taking omega-3 supplements.

You should be cautious when you are choosing your fish oil supplements. Many manufacturers have come up with their own versions of fish soil pills and cutting corners is not uncommon. You should look for supplements that have been extracted from fish caught in clean waters, such as hoki fish from Southern Australia and New Zealand. You should also confirm that supplements have been molecularly distilled and have pure Omega-3 fish oil.

Daily consumption of fish oil supplements can help in the promoting healthy cholesterol levels in your body. Now that you know the relation between fish oil and cholesterol, you may want to adjust your daily diet accordingly.