Non-Fish Eaters Benefit Most From Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 essential fatty acids have been continually touted for their ability to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a new study found that this protective effect is particularly strong among people with low fish intakes.

Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands conducted the study and published their findings in the March 2010 issue of the Journal of Nutrition.

The study included over 21,000 participants between 20 and 65 years of age. All of the participants had low fish intakes (1.1-17.3 grams per day.)

The researchers followed the participants for an average of 11.3 years. During that time period 647 deaths were documented, 82 of which were linked to coronary heart disease and 64 to heart attack.

The researchers found a 51% reduction in fatal cardiovascular disease among individuals with the highest average intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids compared to those with the lowest.

This study shows that omega-3 essential fatty acids are particularly important for people that don't get much fish in their diet and there are many reasons beyond heart health to up your omega-3 intake. Some of the other health benefits of omega-3s include reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and certain cancers and they may even result in better moods.

These days even non-fish eaters can easily increase their omega-3 fatty acid intake by taking a high quality supplement. There are also some nuts that contain omega-3s like walnuts, brazil nuts and macadamia nuts.