A Fish a Day Keeps Heart Woes Away
(HealthScoutNews, 11/18/02)

William S. Harris, professor of medicine at the University of Missouri and a member of the American Heart Association (AHA) committee, reports that recent studies have confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids play a strong role in preventing heart attacks, especially for people with known heart disease. The results of recent trials have prompted the AHA to increase its Omega-3 recommendations for cardiac patients to 1 gram a day of eicosapentaenoic and docosehexaenoic acids (found in oily fish, like Salmon and albacore). They also recommend the less-potent plant-based, linoleic acid (found in plants, like flaxseed and soybeans). Omega-3's may be obtained through diet or supplementation, but the AHA warns people to be aware that certain fish pose potential mercury hazards.