How Eating Fish Helps Improve Cardiovascular Health
The leading reason hearts in the world come to a standstill is because of cardiovascular issues and heart disease. We think it’s good to let people know how eating fish helps improve cardiovascular health. By selling fresh fish year-round at City Fish Market, we are happy to be a part of the solution and not the problem. What makes eating fish so heart-healthy, anyway? It’s all about Omega-3 fatty acids. Need-to-know information follows.
What are “Omega-3 Fatty Acids?”
You may have heard some hype about Omega-3 fatty acids. There are three main types of omega-3s, and the two that are most beneficial are found in fatty fish. Here are more must-know facts to explain how eating fish helps improve cardiovascular health, with more details below:
- Omega-3s are essential fats, which means the body needs them.
- Certain foods are the only sources of omega-3s.
- There are three main kinds of omega-3s, and the two most beneficial are obtained by eating fatty fish.
- Omega-3s are good for us because they do things that promote heart health.
The 3 Main Types of Omega-3s
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are the three main omega-3 fatty acids. You can only get DHA and EPA by eating fish and other seafood. ALA is primarily found in nuts, seeds, and plant oils, such as the following:
- Walnuts
- Flaxseed
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseed oil
- Soybean
- Canola oils
The EPA and DHA contained in fatty fish provide a more direct benefit to the heart than ALA. Our bodies can use ALA to produce EPA and DHA, but the conversion is fairly small. However, experts say that fish and plant omega-3s are part of a healthy diet and both are recommended.
How Do Omega-3s Help to Keep Hearts Healthy?
Omega-3s are very good for us because of the effects they produce in our bodies. Omega-3s:
- Reduce a type of fat in the blood known as triglycerides.
- Increase “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Slow the buildup of plaque in arteries that trigger heart attacks and strokes and cause blood clots.
- Help to lower blood pressure.
- Help ease chronic inflammation, a condition that contributes to cardiovascular disease and other serious conditions.
Top Fatty Fish to Eat for Omega-3s
When you go to City Fish Market you can find a plentiful supply of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).
Other protein sources such as beef contain high levels of saturated fat, which clog arteries over time. Fish, on the other hand, is a protein that is low in fat and cholesterol.
Studies have proven that eating fish helps improve cardiovascular health. The fish to eat for the healthiest doses of omega-3 fatty acids are:
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Albacore tuna
- Pollock
- Tuna
- Lake trout
- Herring
- Cod
Come to City Fish Market and Improve Your Cardiovascular Health
City Fish Market is an excellent place to get the freshest fish and other delicious seafood. It’s not only true that eating fish helps improve cardiovascular health, but oysters and caviar are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Visit City Fish Market at 884 Silas Deane Hwy in Wethersfield, CT. If you don’t see what you are looking for on display in the retail counters, be sure to ask for help. Our staff is knowledgeable and friendly. When you can’t come by, call us at 860-522-3129 or fill out our online form.