New statistics encourage many to consider nutritional supplements for blood pressure and cholesterol

In its 2005 update, the American Heart Association revealed that 70.1 million Americans now have some form of cardiovascular challenges that can affect their lifestyle. After analyzing new data, the agency states that men over the age of 40 now have a 49% risk of developing such challenges in their lifetime, while women have a 32% risk (American Heart Association, 2005). These daunting statistics hit home when you realize that you may be at risk.

The good news is that numerous scientific studies suggest that consuming specific dietary compounds—including omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs)—can enhance your chances by positively affecting blood pressure, cholesterol and overall arterial health (Appel, 2005; Laidlaw, 2003). The two main types of EFAs (omega-3 and omega-6) are necessary for optimum health, but the human body doesn’t naturally produce these substances. The only way to get them into the body is by consuming foods rich in EFAs or by supplementation.

What You May Not Be Getting
Unfortunately, many Americans put themselves at further risk due to poor eating habits. Instead of cooking healthy meals, many Americans opt for fast-food or other quick meals that are often brimming with saturated fat. This excess fat contributes to increased bad cholesterol and increased triglycerides (dietary fat in the blood), which can lead to hardening of the arteries, as well as other problems (American Heart Association, 2005).

Even with a healthy diet, it is difficult to ingest and properly absorb all of the nutrients your body needs. Today’s foods are often highly processed and devoid of essential nutrients, including EFAs. Supplements can provide the missing pieces in convenient ways.

Getting Fit Without the Fish
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that increasing your daily intake of key unsaturated fats—including omega-3 EFAs—can lower your risk of cardiovascular challenges, improve lipid (blood fat) levels and enhance blood pressure health (Appel, 2005). For these reasons, dietary experts recommend eating several servings of fish—a rich source of omega-3 EFAs—per week. However, many Americans often do not consume enough of this good kind of fat because they do not like the taste of fish or worry about mercury and other toxins found in fish and fish oil.

As an alternative, flaxseed has been used for thousands of years to improve health. Researchers now are studying the effects of flaxseed on many health issues, including cell health, eye health, and bone/joint problems (Sorgen, 2003). But flaxseed seems to have a special affinity for the heart. Oklahoma State University researchers recently analyzed flaxseed in hamsters and concluded that flaxseed is beneficial in reducing plasma cholesterol and plaque formation (Lucas, 2004).

Finding the Right Balance
In addition, new research points out the wisdom of considering a supplement balanced with the other type of EFAs, called omega-6. While the typical North American diet features an abundance of omega-6, most may not be receiving the key benefits from this nutritional compound. Many factors, such as smoking and high sugar consumption, can reduce the body’s ability to convert omega-6 EFAs into the helpful called gamma linolenic acid (GLA).

A study published in a 2003 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that GLA can affect blood lipid levels and weak heart function in healthy women (Laidlaw, 2003). Black currant seed oil is a good source of GLA and reduces the body’s need to convert dietary omega-6 to receive the benefits of this fatty acid.

The key to profiting from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is balance. A supplement with the correct combination of EFAs has the possibility of enhancing your cholesterol profile, influencing blood pressure and fortifying a healthy heart.

 

References
American Heart Association. (2005). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2005 update. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association.

Appel, L.J. et al. (2005). Effects of protein, monounsaturated fat, and carbohydrate intake on blood pressure and serum lipids: Results of the OmniHeart randomized trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 294(19), 2455–2464.

Laidlaw, M. & Holub, B.J. (2003). Effects of supplementation with fish oil-derived n-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid on circulating plasma lipids and fatty acid profiles in women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 77(1), 37–42.

Lucas E.A. et al (2004). Flaxseed reduces plasma cholesterol and atherosclerotic lesion formation in ovariectomized Golden Syrian hamsters. Atherosclerosis, 173(2), 223–229.

PRNewswire. (2005). Certain personality traits can hurt heart health, says the Harvard Mental Health Letter. November 3. Retrieved November 26, 2005 from http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/11-03-2005/0004207245&EDATE=

Sorgen, C. (2003). The benefits of flaxseed. March 10. Retrieved December 12, 2005 from http://www.webmd.com/content/article/62/71499.htm