Are Fish Oil Supplements Good For You?

Many doctors recommend this because fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which has been proven to be beneficial for your health. The question is: how much fish oil is good for you, and is it the only way to get omega-3 fatty acids? Have you wondered if fish oil supplements might help your heart health? How much do you need, and why is this so good for your heart?

Many studies have proven the medical benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. If you eat the proper amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, you will lower your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and hardening of the arteries.

How can you get omega-3 fatty acids? You can get more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet by eating fatty fish, soy products such as tofu or soymilk, and nuts. Because a lot of the fish available have been contaminated with environmental contaminants, you may want to get a portion of your omega-3 fatty acids from real fish, but some from nuts, fish oil supplements, and soy products, spreading out your sources.

How much is the right amount of omega-3 fatty acids? You won't want to go crazy with the omega-3 fatty acids though, because too much of a good thing can hurt you in this case. Risk of bleeding is the biggest concern, so make sure you don't take too much omega-3 fatty acids if you are already vulnerable to bleeding issues. You body's need for omega-3 fatty acids is somewhat altered by how much omega-6 fatty acids you take in each day.

You eat omega-6 fatty acids when you consume vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid. If you eat less omega-6, you'll need less omega-3. Most Americans would benefit from eating fatty fish two times a week and eating soy and nuts every day. If you know you consume a lot of omega-6 fatty acids (vegetable oil), you'll want to eat more omega-3 fatty acids if you wish to experience the heart health benefits. Your doctor can help you evaluate your dietary needs and figure out exactly how much omega-3 fatty acids is optimal for your health. You should be especially careful when deciding if children should take fish oil supplements; always consult a doctor first.