Omega-3s Can Help Prevent Disease

Can eating fatty fish really help prevent diseases? Research seems to indicate it does.

Fatty fish like sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon, anchovies and tuna contain a certain type of fat called omega-3 fatty acids, which has been found to lower blood triglycerides, a risk factor for heart disease. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids can help keep blood from clotting, which helps prevent blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels. Omega-3s may also reduce blood pressure.

Obtaining enough omega-3s for a healthy diet means consuming fish two to three times a week and including other omega-3-rich foods like flaxseed, canola oil, nuts and seeds in your eating plan.

If you're not used to eating fish regularly, develop a plan for increasing omega-3-rich foods in your eating plan one step at a time.