Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Question: I saw recently that salmon and eggs
supply omega-3 oils, or "good cholesterol." What does this mean?
Answer: Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated
fatty acids naturally found in certain kinds of fish and fish oils. Fish that
are known to contain these omega-3 fatty acids are deep-sea oily fish like
mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, and tuna.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the
stickiness of blood platelets. This may reduce blocked blood vessels and
protect against heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths. Omega-3 fatty acids
may also improve diseases like rheumatoid arthritis in the way that they boost
the immune system. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may also lower
certain components of your cholesterol level, including triglycerides and very
low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, and may also help to lower high blood
pressure.
Omega-3 fatty acids are not
usually found in commercially produced eggs that you can purchase at the
grocery store. But there are eggs that are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids
(when fish oils are added to the feed given to egg-laying hens).
If you have more questions about
your diet, talk to your doctor.
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