The fact the average age of people developing and
dying from heart disease is constantly decreasing has considerably
increased the importance attached to coronary health. Although a great
many advances have been registered in the treatment of heart disease,
experts in the field basically recommend that careful precautions be
taken before such diseases ever arise. Experts also recommend one
important foodstuff for the healthy functioning of the heart and the
prevention of disease: fish.
The reason why fish is such an important source of nutrition is that it
both provides substances necessary for the human body and also reduces
the risk of various diseases. For example, it has been revealed that
when fish—which acts as a shield in terms of health with the omega-3
acid it contains—is consumed on a regular basis, it reduces the risk of
heart disease and strengthens the immune system.
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In fact, when we examine the nutritional properties of fish, we
encounter some very striking facts. Fish, given to us as a blessing by
our Lord, are a perfect food, particularly in terms of protein, vitamin
D and trace elements (certain elements found in minimal quantities in
the body but which are still of great importance to it). Due to the
minerals they contain—such as phosphorus, sulphur and vanadium—fish
encourages growth and enables tissues to recover. Fish meat also assists
in the formation of healthy teeth and gums, benefits the complexion,
makes the hair healthier and contributes to the fight against bacterial
infection. It also plays an important role in the prevention of heart
attacks as it beautifully regulates the level of cholesterol in the
blood. It helps the body to break down and use starch and fats, making
it stronger and more energetic. On the other hand, it also influences
the functioning of mental activities. In the event that the vitamin D
and other minerals contained in fish are not consumed in sufficient
quantities, disorders such as rickets (bone weakness), gum disease,
goitre and hyperthyroid may all arise.
In addition, modern science has also discovered that the omega-3 fatty
acids in fish also occupy an important place in human health. These fats
have even been described as essential fatty acids.
The Benefits of Omega-3 in Fish Oil
There are two kinds of unsaturated fatty acid in fish oil which are
particularly important for our health: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA are known as polyunsaturated
fats and contain the important omega-3 fatty acids. Since the fatty
acids omega-3 and omega-6 are not manufactured in the human body, they
need to be taken in from the outside.
There is a large body of evidence relating to the benefits to human
health of fish oil, the actual benefit stemming from its omega-3 fatty
acid content. Despite being present in vegetable oils, these omega-3
fatty acids are less effective in relation to human health. However,
marine plankton is very effective at turning omega-3 into EPA and DHA.
When fish eat plankton, their constitution becomes much richer in EPA
and DHA. That, in turn, makes fish one of the richest sources of these
vitally important fatty acids.
Vital Benefits of the Fatty Acids Found in Fish
One of the main features of the fatty acids in fish is the contribution
they make to the body’s energy production. These fatty acids carry out
electron transfers by attaching themselves to oxygen in the body and
permit energy to be produced for various chemical processes within it.
There is therefore considerable evidence that a diet rich in fish oil
helps combat fatigue and increases mental and physical capacity. Omega-3
increases the individual’s powers of concentration as much as it does
his or her energy levels. There is a scientific foundation to the old
saying “fish is good for the brain”: The main compound in brain fat is
DHA, which contains omega-3 fatty acids.
The Importance of Fish for a Healthy Heart and
Arteries
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The omega-3 fatty acid in fish is acknowledged to protect against
cardiovascular disease by reducing blood pressure and the cholesterol
and triglyceride in the blood. 2 Triglyceride is a form of fat and
resembles LDL (bad cholesterol) which is high in fat and low in protein
content. A raised triglyceride level, especially together with high
cholesterol, increases the risk of heart disease. In addition, fish oils
reduce life-threatening post-heart attack abnormal heart rhythms.
In one study by the American Medical Association, it was observed that
heart attack levels in women eating five portions of fish a week fell by
one-third. This is thought to stem from the omega-3 fatty acids in fish
oil causing less blood clotting. The normal speed of blood in our veins
is 60 kmph (37.3 mph) and it is of vital importance for the blood to be
of the right viscosity and for the density, quantity and speed to be at
normal levels. The worst danger for our blood—apart from normal
conditions of bleeding—is for it to clot and lose the ability to flow
properly. Fish oils are also effective in reducing blood clotting by
preventing the thrombocytes in the blood (blood platelets that
concentrate the blood in the event of bleeding) from adhering to one
another. Otherwise, blood thickening can lead to narrowing of the
arteries. In turn, this can lead to many organs in the body—especially
the heart, brain, eyes and kidneys—receiving an inadequate blood supply,
function deceleration and eventually, loss of function. For example,
when an artery is totally blocked on account of clotting this can lead
to heart attack, paralysis or other disorders, depending on the location
of the artery.
Omega-3 fatty acids also play an important role in the production of the
molecule haemoglobin, that carries oxygen in the red blood cells, and in
controlling the nutrients passing through the cell membrane. They also
prevent the damaging effects of fats harmful to the body.
Importance for the Development of New Born Babies
Being an important component of the brain and eye, omega-3 fatty acids
have been the subject of research, especially over the last 10 years, in
connection with the needs of new born babies. There is a considerable
body of evidence relating to the importance of omega-3 to the
development of the foetus in the mother’s womb and of the new-born baby.
Omega-3 is of the greatest importance for the proper development of the
brain and nerves throughout pregnancy and in early babyhood. Scientists
emphasise the importance of mother’s milk since it is a natural and
perfect store of omega-3.
Benefits for Joint Health
The major risk in rheumatoid arthritis (a painful joint condition linked
to rheumatism) is that of wearing of the joints, leading to irreparable
damage. It has been proven that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids
prevents arthritis and reduces discomfort in swollen and sensitive
joints.
Benefits Regarding the Healthy Functioning of the
Brain and Nervous System
A large number of studies have revealed the effects of omega-3 fatty
acids on the healthy functioning of the brain and nerves. In addition,
it has been shown that fish oil reinforcement can reduce symptoms of
depression and schizophrenia and prevent Alzheimer’s disease (a brain
disease which causes loss of memory and hinders day-to-day activities).
For example, reductions in such problems as anxiety, stress and sleeping
difficulties have been observed in individuals suffering from depression
who took 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acid over a period of 12 weeks. 3
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Benefits against Inflammatory Disorders and
Strengthening of the Immune System
At the same time, omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory
(infection preventing) function. Omega-3 can therefore be employed in
the following diseases:
Rheumatoid arthritis (joint infection linked to rheumatism),
Osteoarthritis (a form of arthritis gradually degenerating the functions
of joints)
Ulcerative colitis (ulcers linked to the inflammation of the colon), and
Lupus (a disease which causes patches on the skin).
It also protects myelin (the material surrounding nerve cells).
Glaucoma (an eye disorder marked by abnormally high pressure within the
eyeball that may even lead to blindness)
Multiple sclerosis (a serious progressive disease resulting from tissue
hardening in the brain and spinal cord),
Osteoporosis (a disease leading to structural weakening in the bone
structure)
Diabetes patients.
Migraine patients
Anorexia (a possibly fatal eating disorder)
Burns
Problems concerning skin health.
There is also wide-ranging evidence that societies such as the Greenland
Eskimos and Japanese, who eat a lot of fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acid,
have a much lower incidence of heart and artery disease, asthma and
psoriasis. Fish is therefore recommended as a form of treatment and is
particularly recommended by nutritionists on account of its proven
benefits for coronary health.
Additional benefits to those outlined above are emerging every day.
Moreover, it has only been possible to reveal the health benefits of
fish by a great many scientists working in well-equipped research
laboratories.
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