When we think of Omega-3 fatty acids, most of us think of their immune-boosting or anti-inflammatory effects, but new research suggests we should also consider their ability to, not only improve heart health, but restore heart function even after the organ has been damaged from a heart attack.
According to the double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the medical journal Circulation, supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids can help heal the heart and reverse some of the damage caused by a heart attack. While Omega-3s have been known to boost circulation, this new research is the first of its kind to showcase the nutrient’s ability to heal a damaged heart after a heart attack.
The researchers found that taking high doses of Omega-3s on a daily basis for 6 months resulted in reduced heart scarring and improved heart function compared to study participants who took a placebo. That’s good news for anyone who has had a heart attack or struggling with heart disease.
A heart attack takes place when blood flow to the heart muscle becomes blocked, which results in oxygen deprivation in the heart. The damage is determined by how much of the heart was starved of oxygen and for how long. Scar tissue can begin forming soon after a heart attack, which can result in heart function impairment as well. So supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids immediately after a heart attack is important to help the heart return to normal functioning. Of course, eating a high Omega-3 diet and/or supplementing with the nutrient to help ensure healthy heart and circulatory functioning is also a good idea.
Food Sources of Omega-3s
While fish is primarily known as a source of Omega-3 fatty acids, more and more fish has been contaminated with mercury and other toxins. There are many excellent plant-based sources of Omega-3s, including the following:
Flax Seeds — One ounce of flax seeds contains 6388mg of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Chia Seeds — One ounce of chia seeds contains 4915mg of Omega-3s.
Hemp Seeds — One ounce of hemp seeds provides 1100 of Omega-3s.
Spinach — One cup of cooked spinach has 352 mg of Omega-3s.
Winter Squash — One cup of cooked squash contains 338 mg of Omega-3s.
Cauliflower — One cup of cooked cauliflower contains 208 mg Omega-3s.
Blueberries — One cup of fresh blueberries contains 174 mg of Omega-3s.
Wild Rice — One cup of cooked wild rice contains 156 mg Omega-3s.
Mangoes — One mango contains 77 mg Omega-3s.
Honeydew melon — One cup of honeydew melon contains 58 mg Omega-3s.
Walnuts — One quarter cup of walnuts contains 2700 mg of Omega-3s.
Tofu — One four ounce serving of tofu contains 600 mg of Omega-3s. (Choose only organic tofu since soy is a heavily genetically-modified crop).
Cashews — A one ounce serving of cashews contains 221 mg of Omega-3s.
Sesame Seeds — A one ounce serving of sesame seeds contains 105 mg of Omega-3s.
Spirulina — One tablespoon of spirulina powder contains 58 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Pumpkin Seeds — One quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains 40 mg of Omega-3s.
Mustard Oil — One tablespoon of mustard oil has 826 mg Omega-3s; however, mustard oil should not be used in higher doses due to possible liver toxicity.
What to Look for in an Omega-3 Supplement
If you’re supplementing with Omega-3s, 2000 milligrams of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) is a typical daily dose. Be sure to choose a reputable product that has been third-party laboratory tested to ensure low levels of mercury and other contaminants.
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