The trend of chronic conditions, particularly coronary heart disease and diabetes, are at an all-time high worldwide. You might not realize it, but heart disease has been a major epidemic in Bermuda, too, ranking as a leading cause of death among the island’s residents. However, the problem doesn’t end there. Thousands more suffer from severe complications like heart attacks, stroke, and angina who don’t even know they have underlying heart issues.

Not knowing what to do or the best things to take can create problems for those suffering from a heart condition. The good news is that you can improve your own heart health by making lifestyle changes, seeking treatment, and consuming adequate Omega-3 fatty acids.

BUT with so many products claiming to promote good heart health, which ones should you trust?
In this article, you’ll learn the facts on omega 3— and why it’s so essential for your heart, how to add it to your diet and what is the best supplement to take.

What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids, or simply Omega-3, are polyunsaturated fatty acids that occur naturally in seafood and plant oils. These are polyunsaturated fats that are important for the proper function of various processes in the body. Our bodies do not produce them, so we must consume them through diet or supplements.

The three essential fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found primarily in plant oils. On the other hand, both ALA and DHA are found in fish and seafood. Your body can convert some ALA to EPA and then to DHA, but only in very minute amounts. Thus, the most effective way of increasing your body’s omega-3 fatty acid levels is to eat more omega-3 foods or take dietary supplements.

Does Fish and Plant Oil Support Heart Health?

Certainly! Study after study has shown omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for cardiovascular health. EPA + DHA have been the focus of most of this research, but ALA can also benefit your health. The benefits of omega-3 for heart health include:

• Reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure
• Improve triglyceride levels by slowing liver fat synthesis. A high triglyceride level in the blood increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Lower the risk of arrhythmia
• Control blood pressure
• Increases HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol)
• Prevent the formation of clots in blood vessels
• Keep off damage to the artery lining that could result in thick, hard arteries. This stops plaque buildup in arteries.

Omega-3s are not only vital for heart health, but they also play an essential role in brain function and joint health. EPA and DHA help:

• decrease inflammation in the body that can lead to heart disease, arthritis, certain cancers, and other chronic diseases.
• Increase brain function and help people with Alzheimer’s disease.
• fight depression and protect against memory loss because it helps improve blood flow to the brain.
• provide relief from anxiety and ADHD

How to Get More Omega-3 in Your Diet

To reduce your risk of some heart problems, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you consume one or two portions of seafood a week. Under the guidance of a healthcare provider, people with heart disease should consume 1 g of EPA and DHA daily from foods or supplements. Below is a list of foods high in omega 3.

If you want to get more omega-3 in your diet, the best way to do it is to eat lots of oily fish and seafood. Fish are the primary source of omega-3, but they also contain many other healthy nutrients, like protein, vitamin A, B, D, and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and zinc.

Whether you are vegetarian or are not a fan of fish, take note that there are Omega-3 sources beyond fish. You can also consume them through the following foods.

One can also find omega-3 enriched foods, such as eggs, milk, yogurt, soya drinks, and more. Simply check the label when you go grocery shopping.
**Important Note: It’s prudent to pay attention to where fish come from to determine the safety of their consumption. The same is true for checking mercury levels in fish. You can find a list of fish with the highest mercury levels in this link. Pregnant women and small children should avoid eating fish with high traces of mercury.

The Premier Omega — A Trusted Fish Oil Supplement

Consuming these foods is essential for optimal health, yet few people consume adequate amounts through their diet alone. Supplements can help bridge this gap. There is no doubt that selecting the right Omega-3 supplement can be difficult, but the search ends here.

When choosing a fish oil health supplement, make sure it is trusted by doctors and health professionals — one that is reliable and consistent in delivering the EPA and DHA omega fatty acids our bodies need to improve cardiovascular health.

PREMIER OMEGA has it all! With high-quality standards and a proven purification process, you can rest assured that you’re getting the maximum benefit from fish oil with every dose.

The Premier Omega family of formulas feature MaxSimil® is the leading fish oil lipid absorption enhancement technology on the market. This patented product (PLATform) has a three times greater EPA+DHA absorption rate than an equivalent dose of other leading brands.

MaxSimil® believes that quality and purity are critical in a fish oil supplement. Thanks to our patented process and cold-filtration, The Premier Omega provides a pure, ultra-high purity fish oil with the omega-3 fatty acids needed for brain and heart health

Our formula leverages omega-3 technology delivers ‘Absorption-ready’ omega-3, bio-identical to your body’s natural digestion processes, arriving “pre-digested.” Because MaxSimil® is a monoglyceride, the small intestine can absorb it immediately, reducing digestive stress.

Moreover, Premier Omega uses fish oil directly from suppliers who engage in sustainable fisheries management practices. In addition, this product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it’s free of heavy metals and toxins.
**Learn more about this product here.

It’s Never Too Late to Start Taking Omega-3!

Good news for anyone who has been on the fence about taking omega-3—it’s never too late to start! The average person doesn’t get nearly enough EPA and DHA fatty acids into their diet or lifestyle, but making a steady effort to include more Omega-3 foods – or supplementing with Omega-3 oils – can have significant long-term health benefits. Get started today!

Find more than just Omega-3 supplements at PHWC. Whether you want to support overall wellness or target a specific health goal, there’s a Premier Omega product that is right for you. Explore our many formulas designed to keep you healthy at PHWC Community! Call 441-292-5111 or book an appointment online for more information.