Omega-3 fish oil
It is now becoming common knowledge that omega-3 fish oil is particularly good for the heart. The scientific community has come to a consensus that the ideal omega-3 to omega-6 ratio is in fact present in fish oil. As a general rule, omega-3 fatty acids must be taken in larger amounts than omega-6 fatty acids in that the former is less inflammatory than the latter. There are several fatty acids that belong to the omega-3 group, but only three are highly regarded for their nutritional value.
Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, are both known for their interactions with endogenous compounds that result in a healthier cardiovascular system now and in later life. The essential fatty acid alpha linolenic acid, or ALA, has been associated with cardiovascular health, inasmuch as the body is capable of converting it to either EPA or DHA. However, it is also widely accepted that ALA alone will not be able to the dietary requirements for EPA and DHA.
Omega-3 Fish oil regulates Inflammatory hormones
Regulates Synthesis of Eicosanoids
It is a well established fact that omega-3 fish oil is an excellent exogenous precursor of inflammatory mediators known as eicosanoids. These organic compounds are responsible for all inflammatory responses of the human body, may it be a response to invasive pathogens or symptoms of autoimmune disorders. Cardiovascular diseases may stem from imbalances of eicosanoid groups and often complicates in the presence of excessive pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.
The right ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids significantly contribute to the interactions between eicosanoid groups and other organic compounds in the cardiovascular system. The productions of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids called prostanoids start from the metabolism of omerga-6 fatty acids whereas the less inflammatory groups come from omega-3 fatty acids. Together these fatty acids work synergistically in creating a homeostatic effect on all eicosanoid groups.
Modulates the Activities of Fibrin
The fibrous protein fibrin plays an important role in the upkeep of the cardiovascular system, acting on both blood vessel tissues and the diverse variety of compounds present inside the blood vessel lumen. Omega-3 fatty acid has also been observed to increase the catabolic processes involving fibrin, leading to quicker responses to the endothelial damage that may result in hemorrhage.
High levels may pose greater risk of blood coagulation that may travel inside the blood vessel lumen whereas low levels will slow down the healing process of the endothelium. The presence of omega-3 fish oil and its metabolites in the blood vessels ensures that the increase in the breakdown of fibrin does not only speed up healing but also prevents unnecessary platelet aggregation.
Affects Asymmetric Dimethylarginine
High levels of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine, or ADMA, have been tied to cardiovascular health decline, and this is largely attributable to high levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine blood levels in turn are influenced by the availability of omega-3 fish oil and its metabolites. High levels of omega-3 fatty acids mean lower levels of blood homocysteine, which of course translates into healthier cardiovascular system.