How Much Fish Oil Should I take for Heart Health?
Here’s a brief Q&A, starting with; how much fish oil should I take for heart health. The answer has been difficult to come by, because recommendations vary, but in a recent review, cardiovascular specialists said that a good daily goal is 500mg per day of DHA and EPA combined. Now, that doesn’t mean that all you need is 500mg of fish oils.
The average dietary supplement contains 1000mg of natural triglycerides, concentrated esters or both. Of that 1000mg of fat, some is omega-3. Some is omega-6 and some is omega-9. The actual breakdown varies. Although they are not required to, the better manufacturers break down the fat content, so that people can better plan their daily menus.
Heart specialists say that no more than 20-30% of your daily caloric intake should come from fats, of any kind. There is no doubt that omega-3 fats are the healthiest ones to choose. Researchers found years ago that native Inuit tribes with high intakes of omega-3s had practically no heart disease.
Actually, if your question is how much fish oil should I take for any health problem, the answer is two to three capsules. You should take no more than three grams per day, unless your condition is being monitored by a physician.
While the health benefits of supplementation are numerous, there is a possible risk associated with high doses. That risk is increased bleeding.
In at least one documented case, a woman taking aspirin, warfarin (a blood thinner) and a high daily dosage of omega-3 fatty acids developed a bleed in her brain that was believed to be associated with the drug combination. All three of those things thin the blood. That is the main reason they are beneficial.
They prevent clotting in the bloodstream. Clots cause strokes and heart attacks, but clots form when we are cut or a blood vessel bursts, too. So, we need some clotting. Otherwise, we could bleed to death from a minor cut.
So, how much fish oil should I take to prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of heart attack, without chancing the risk of increased bleeding? Research has shown that 3 grams or 3000mg per day and is not accompanied by any increased bleeding risk.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health. Article Source: