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Eating fish linked to lower risk of heart disease

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Individuals who have received unhealthy cholesterol test results may benefit from getting a little more fish in their diet, as a new study has shown that the omega-3s found in the food may help protect the heart from disease.

A team of Danish researchers tracked the health of 49,000 women over the course of eight years. The results showed that those who rarely ate fish were 50 percent more likely to experience a heart attack than those who regularly ate fish. Meanwhile non-fish eaters were had a 90 percent greater risk compared to those who regularly consumed fish that were especially high in omega-3s.

This is not the first study to suggest cardiovascular benefits associated with eating fish or consuming omega-3s, but the researchers said it should serve as a reminder to continue practicing good dietary habits.

"Women who eat fish should find the results encouraging, but it is important to emphasize that to obtain the greatest benefit from fish and fish oils, women should follow the dietary recommendations to eat fish as a main meal at least twice a week," said Marin Strom, who led the study.