Fish Oil Supplements Keep Heart Healthy

Fish oil supplements can help the heart deal with stress and remain healthy, according to a new study.

Fish oil supplements are considered good for the heart and the brain. Surveys have shown that more than 30 percent of people living in the U.S. have used these supplements for various health reasons. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association had said that the health benefits of these pills may not be as effective as considered.

In the latest study, Jason Carter, a researcher at Michigan Technological University, assessed the role of these fish oil supplements in protecting the heart from stress.

The study included 67 healthy volunteers who were either given fish oil supplements or a placebo for two months.

All the participants were then screened for blood pressure, heart rates and other metrics used to check the health of the heart.

After the study period, both groups were given a mental task that required them to add or subtract numbers. Researchers then looked at the stress levels of participants while taking the test.

The study found that people who were on fish oil pills were less likely to be stressed while taking the test when compared with people who were on the placebo.

"These results show that fish oil could have a protective effect on cardiovascular function during mental stress, a finding that adds a piece to the puzzle on why taking fish oil helps the heart stay healthy," said Carter, chair of kinesiology and integrative physiology at Michigan Tech.

Stress can affect both body and mind. High levels of stress can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Previous studies have shown that people who constantly worry about things tend to have a higher risk of stroke and back pain.

"In today's fast-paced society, stress is as certain as death and taxes. Moreover, our eating habits have deteriorated. This study reinforces that fish oils may be beneficial for cardiovascular health, particularly when we are exposed to stressful conditions," he added.

"If you don't do it already, consider taking fish oil supplementation, or better yet, eat natural foods high in omega-3 fatty acids," concluded Carter.

The study is published in the American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative, and Comparative Physiology.