By Suzana The Positive Connection Between Fish Oil and Cholesterol
Face it. The connection between fish oil and cholesterol in the bloodstream can be complicated and difficult to understand. The information here should help you understand a little more about the subject.
What is Cholesterol, Anyway?
They are waxy hormones found in the body’s cellular membranes and transported through the bloodstream to areas of need. It is essential for all life, because it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the cellular membranes and for the absorption of some of the essential vitamins.
It is transported within the bloodstream inside of “lipoproteins”, a combination of fats and proteins. High blood levels of low and very low density lipoproteins are strongly associated with an increased risk of heart and vascular disease, specifically with atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries.
On the other hand, high levels of high density lipoproteins are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. So, we have good HDL and bad LDL and VLDL in our bloodstreams.
One of the connections between fish oil and cholesterol balance has to do with the supplement’s ability to increase HDL levels. HDL can remove cholesterols from the cells and from existing plaques in the arterial walls. LDL and VLDL, on the other hand, contribute to the formation of those plaques, which are the cause of an age-related heart disease called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.
What are Triglycerides?
At the same time that your doctor tests your blood for HLD an LDL particles, normally, you will also be tested for total triglycerides. Triglycerides are a combination of fatty acids and glycerol. They are a major component of LDL particles. High blood triglycerides are believed to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
Another connection between fish oil and cholesterol reduction has to do with the supplements ability to lower total blood triglyceride levels. The question is this.
How much effect does the supplement have and how much do you have to take to see the effect?
Results have varied in clinical trials. Modest or small to high decreases have been seen. The reason for the different results has yet to be explained. There are many possible explanations. Here’s one of them.
A person that has high triglycerides and low HDL levels, but does not want to take the mainstream medical approach, which includes the use of statin drugs, might do a number of different things to improve their health, while participating in a clinical trial concerning fish oil and cholesterol.
For many years, doctors have recommended lowering one’s intake of total fat and dietary-cholesterol, which is found in a variety of foods. Adding physical exercise to that approach has proven to be beneficial in recent years.
But, the latest studies indicate that it is also important to limit or cut out alcohol, since alcohol is a component of cholesterol and to also lower your intake of some kinds of carbohydrates. So, a person that saw excellent results in fish oil and cholesterol studies may have done those other things, too. Learn more about what you can do to lower your triglycerides and reduce your risk of heart disease.