| With so many vitamins and supplements for | | | | people with high blood pressure, or |
| every ill, it's amazing that one rises so far | | | | hypertension. Several studies have shown |
| above the rest. Fish oil is relatively safe | | | | decreased blood pressure in those with |
| to take, and has some of the more important | | | | hypertension, so this is a fairly well |
| health benefits available. It protects | | | | established aspect of fish oil. |
| against the so-called "diseases of | | | | |
| civilization," and can help decrease high | | | | The above two benefits combine together with |
| blood pressure. It also thins the blood. And, | | | | the omega-3 content of fish oil to provide |
| as if that weren't enough, it may have some | | | | quite a bonanza of protection against the |
| affect on depression-related disorders. In | | | | common cardio diseases. There is also some, |
| this article, I'll detail each of these | | | | admittedly weak, evidence that omega-3 helps |
| benefits so you can decide if fish oil is | | | | relieve depression. |
| right for you. | | | | |
| | | | In a study published in the Archives of |
| In the food we eat in today's society, we | | | | General Psychiatry, 30 patients with bipolar |
| consume so much animal product that our diets | | | | disorder were treated with omega-3 fatty acid |
| are full of a nutrient called "omega-6 fatty | | | | supplementation, and they showed improvement. |
| acid." There is another fatty acid called | | | | However, other studies have not supported |
| "omega-3," found in fish, that is essential | | | | this same effect with depression. Still other |
| to proper healthy functioning. This is what's | | | | studies showed positive results with a lower |
| missing from our diets. We stopped eating | | | | amount than with a higher amount. Some users |
| fish. And there is evidence that our lack of | | | | have reported success anecdotally with fish |
| omega-3 compared to our over-consumption of | | | | oil supplementation, but the scientific |
| omega-6 is what can lead to heart disease and | | | | evidence is still inconclusive on this point. |
| other cardiovascular problems. In addition to | | | | |
| this, it has has two other effects that | | | | While adding fish oil to your diet can be a |
| contribute to cardio health. | | | | good decision, I recommend caution in regards |
| | | | the blood thinning issue, especially in |
| One of these is blood thinning. Thin blood | | | | taking large amounts over a long period of |
| can flow easier through clogged arteries, | | | | time. I also recommend consulting your doctor |
| decreasing the chances of stroke. Be sure to | | | | before attempting to treat any depression |
| keep away from fish oil if you're already on | | | | with fish oil, as the jury is still out on |
| a blood thinner, however. | | | | the evidence. But in general, this can be a |
| | | | terrific supplement to stave off some of the |
| Another cardio benefit is improvement in | | | | most common killing diseases of our time. |