Fish Oil Shown To Aid Blood Pressure and Weight Loss
A study published in the journal Nutrition found that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, which are deficient in the diets of most Americans, may be effective at reducing blood pressure and aiding in weight loss.
For the study, researchers with several leading European universities recruited 324 overweight individuals between 20-40 years of age from Iceland, Spain and Ireland.
The participants were randomly assigned to one of four calorie restricted diets. Each diet included omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish or fish oil capsules, except for the control. The different diets contained one of the following:
1. 150g of salmon three times per week
2. 150g of cod three times per week
3. 1.3g of fish oil capsules per day
4. Sunflower oil capsules (control group)
After 8 weeks, the researchers observed higher weight loss (between 7 and 11 pounds) among the participants consuming the omega-3 fatty acids (groups 1 through 3). They also observed a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in groups 1 through 3.
To optimize your omega-3 intake, it is a good idea to eat both fish and take a high quality fish oil supplement. Look for one that’s certified for purity and potency so you can be sure it doesn’t contain dangerous contaminants. Also be sure that the product will deliver at least 650mg of the most important omega-3s, EPA and DHA.
