Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for heart attack
Omega-3 Fatty Acids represents a type of polyunsaturated fat essential for building brain cells and performing other vital functions. These fats play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy heart and shielding it from stroke. Furthermore, they enhance heart health for individuals already affected by heart disease.
What is omega-3 fatty acids ?
They are polyunsaturated fats that perform vital functions in your body. Your body cannot produce the amount of omega-3s necessary for survival. Therefore, you must obtain omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients, from the foods you eat.
Types of Omega 3 fatty acid
1. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid found in nuts like walnuts, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart disease by supporting normal heart rhythm and function.
2. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, is referred to as 20:5 in physiological literature and is also known by the trivial name timnodonic acid.
3. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid present in cold-water, fatty fish like salmon, is also found in fish oil supplements, which also contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Vegetarian sources of DHA include seaweed.
How it reduce the risk of heart attack ?!
It reduce the risk of heart attacks through several mechanisms. They actively lower triglyceride levels in the blood, diminish inflammation, decrease the formation of blood clots, and enhance the function of blood vessels. Furthermore, omega-3s may aid in stabilizing heart rhythms and reducing blood pressure. These combined effects contribute significantly to lowering the risk of heart attack.
What are the Sources ?
It’s possible to get this from supplements and through the balanced diet. Here is some food source of omega-3 fatty acids are described below:
Fatty Fish:
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Mackerel
- Tuna
Flaxseeds:
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Hemp seeds
Fortified Foods:
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Milk
