Fish Oil And Cholesterol - Use It As An Added Tool To Help Lower Your Cholesterol Level
Are you confused about "cholesterol"? Many people are and it's no wonder as there is so much information both good and bad floating around particularly about fish oil and cholesterol.
There have been hundreds of scientific and clinical tests done on the benefits of consuming fatty acids, which you get from certain foods including oily fish.
The evidence gained from all these tests confirms that Omega-3 fatty acids help to control and balance cholesterol levels and promote better arterial and cardiac health.
The reason DHA and EPA fatty acid sourced from cold-water oily fish or taken in supplement form are beneficial is because they lower triglyceride levels and boost your HDL (good cholesterol).
Many people believe taking fish oil may increase their LDL (bad cholesterol), which on the surface can appear to be the case. However it's not that simple.
Lets examine this further without getting too technical:
Triglycerides are very small particles called VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and IDL (intermediate-density lipoproteins)
If your triglycerides are elevated, your VLDL and IDL will be raised. We know these two particles are the first ones to exit your liver, and LDL particles originate as VLDL.
Because fish oil Omega-3 DHA and EPA fatty acids reduce triglycerides it causes a change in the particles from VLDL to LDL, which can increase your LDL reading.
Normal LDL cholesterol is not measured it is calculated which means it can be inaccurate depending on your HDL and triglyceride average numbers.
So don't stress if you notice your LDL reading increase slightly after starting on fish oil, as long as you're triglycerides reduce significantly and your HDL increases your on the right track.
The evidence is now beyond doubt that eating oily fish or taking supplements with the correct balance of DHA and EPA Omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce triglycerides and reduces cholesterol buildup in arteries. Thus reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack.
