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New study shows fish lowers cholesterol levels

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

For individuals who have received unhealthy cholesterol test results, eating more fish could lead to significantly improved heart health. A new study has found that eating hake may particularly improve cholesterol levels.

Researchers from the Ramon and Cajal Hospital in Madrid, Spain fed a group of 257 patients with metabolic syndrome a diet consisting daily servings of hake. Metabolic syndrome is considered a major threat to heart health, as it is characterized by high blood pressure, poorly managed blood sugar, abdominal obesity and unhealthy cholesterol levels.

The results showed that after eight weeks of consuming daily servings of hake, participants experienced significant improvements in cholesterol levels. Additionally, other measures associated with metabolic syndrome also stabilized.

One reason for the observed benefits may be the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in hake, the researchers said. These nutrients have been shown in previous studies to support heart health and hake is an excellent source.

Either way, the results underscore the importance of eating fish regularly, particularly for individuals who have compromised heart health. The American Heart Association recommends that people eat at least two servings of fish per week.