Most people do not pay attention to their diet due to increased work pressure. People who travel to the city in quest of job, particularly those from remote locations, do not pay attention to their dietary habits. To fill their tummies, such folks typically consume junk food or oily fried foods accessible in the marketplace. But did you know that avoiding nutritious foods and eating fried foods for an extended period of time might lead to liver and cholesterol problems? This is why the prevalence of high cholesterol has increased among urban residents.
A person’s chance of developing heart disease increases as his or her cholesterol levels rise. People in this position are more prone to suffer a heart attack or stroke. However, if specific dietary modifications are adopted over time, the risk of high cholesterol can be reduced. According to experts, incorporating omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can lessen your risk of developing high cholesterol. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of taking omega-3 fatty acids for high cholesterol.
Benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in high cholesterol
- Omega-3 fatty acid is essential for the body’s functions. The body cannot make it on its own, so it has to be obtained through food or supplements. Let’s know further what benefits can be derived by taking it for high cholesterol.
- Decreased triglyceride levels: Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, help reduce triglyceride levels in the blood. High triglyceride levels are a major cause of heart disease.
- Help increase HDL (good cholesterol): Omega-3 fatty acids increase HDL cholesterol, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. This cleans the arteries and improves heart health.
- Affecting LDL (bad cholesterol): Omega-3 fatty acids don’t directly lower LDL cholesterol, but they do make the particles larger, making them less harmful.
- Decreased inflammation: High cholesterol often swells in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids increase inflammation, which causes heart disease. It also reduces inflammation and balances the body’s immune response.
- Helps in regulating heart rhythm: Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA from seafood help maintain a stable heartbeat, thereby reducing the risk of arrhythmia and decreasing the risk of heart stroke.
Sources of omega-3 fatty acids
- Flaxseeds are rich in plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids (ALA). They can be ground and added to salads, smoothies, or roti dough.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in soy milk, tofu, and edamame, which are good options for vegetarians.
- Chia seeds are not only rich in omega-3 but are also a good source of fibre and protein.
- Hemp seeds are not only a good source of omega-3, but they also have a balanced ratio of omega-6.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, etc.
Disclaimer: (The tips and suggestions in this post are intended for general information only and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always with your doctor or a dietician before beginning any exercise program or making any dietary adjustments.)
Source: InTv