| When you are looking to lower your | | | | formulas that vary the ratio of EPA and DHA, as |
| cholesterol naturally, the question comes up about | | | | well as the dosage per pill; however, to lower |
| the effectiveness of Omega 3 fatty acid, or fish | | | | cholesterol naturally , my personal rule is |
| oil. The two main Omega 3's, eicosapentaenoic | | | | somewhere between a 3/2 to a 2/1 (EPA to |
| acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), play | | | | DHA) split tends to provide the best results. |
| an integral part in overall cardiovascular health, but | | | | Regardless of the source, it is important to |
| tests have shown EPA and DHA aid in reducing | | | | ensure you have good balance of all essential |
| overall cholesterol levels, specifically in lowering the | | | | Omega fatty acids. The right balance will ensure |
| low density lipoprotien (LDL, or bad) cholesterol | | | | an overall heart health, while reaching the target |
| and raising the high density lipoprotien (HDL, or | | | | of a reduced cholesterol level. A good balance will |
| good) cholesterol. | | | | include Omega 3 and Omega 6, both are |
| This essential fatty acid is not produced by | | | | important in overall heart function and |
| the body and must be obtained through eating or | | | | cardiovascular health; however, a diet high in one |
| supplement. The foods you would need to eat | | | | without a good balance of the other can be |
| are mostly ocean fish, including salmon, lake trout, | | | | ineffective and may even hurt your efforts to |
| shark, swordfish, albacore tuna, herring, etc. The | | | | control your cholesterol levels. |
| sea fish should be eaten at least twice a week to | | | | Essentially, a well balanced diet, low in |
| ensure you get enough Omega 3's. . However, | | | | saturated fats and cholesterol, supported by a |
| some fish can have high levels of mercury, not | | | | regular intake of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty |
| good for most people, and should be taken with | | | | acids is the best way to control your overall |
| care. To avoid the issues of mercury in seafood, | | | | cholesterol level. The safest and most economical |
| a regular intake of mercury-free Omega 3 | | | | way to ensure the proper balance of EPA and |
| essential fatty acids can be obtained from many | | | | DHA as well as Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential |
| reputable sources who prepare it as dietary | | | | fatty acids is to find a supplement from a |
| supplements. These supplements come in many | | | | reputable provider. |