Fishing to lowering your cholesterol?
Fish and fish oil are packed with cholesterol-lowering omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends fish as the preferable source of omega-3s. Fish oil supplements can be a good alternative, but definitely ask your doctor or pharmacist about them before you start them.
* Vegetarian? Plant sources of omega-3s include soybeans, canola, flaxseeds, walnuts, and their oils, but they don't provide the same omega-3s as fish.
* If you don’t eat the suggested servings of fish (2 to 3 a week, not fried), ask your doctor about capsules.
* The right amount of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce your blood pressure and risk of developing blood clots. In people who have already had heart attacks, fish oil or omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risks of sudden death. The best fish sources of omega-3 fatty acids are:
- · mackerel
- · Lake trout
- · Herring
- · Sardines
- · Albacore tuna
- · Salmon
- · Halibut
* Choose the purest quality fish oils by looking for a stamp with AOAC International (Association of Official Agricultural Chemists).This stamp means the product meets the screening standard for heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins, and other contaminants. Note: Scientific evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids also have a significant positive effect on triglycerides and these oils are considered to be safe. However, check with your doctor first if you are taking an anti-clotting medication.
