- Research shows that people whose diets are high in omega-3 fatty acids tend to have lower cholesterol levels. They also reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of blood clots. One of the best ways to get these omega-3s is by eating fatty fish, such as salmon, lake trout, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel or bass. However, if you are not a fan of fatty fish, regularly taking a fish oil supplement can provide the same heart-healthy benefits. Doctors recommend eating fish twice a week; supplements are taken either once or twice a day.
- Fish oil has been shown to somewhat lower levels of lipoprotein lipase, which is what traps the LDL (bad) cholesterol. LDLs carry the cholesterol through the blood, so they are necessary in small doses. Fish oil can also lead to the raising of HDL (good) cholesterol, which is what takes cholesterol out of blood.
- Fish oil is also known to lower high levels of triglycerides. These are fats found in blood, which in conjunction with cholesterol, lead to heart disease.