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Does Fish Oil Really Help with Blood Pressure?

fish oil blood pressure

Old and partially forgotten remedy – fish oil, which is rich in vitamins A, E, D and omega-3 fatty acids, is popular again nowadays. It’s associated with miraculous properties and ability to treat almost all diseases. The property of fish oil to decrease blood pressure is of great concern. It is particularly important for people who are inclined to familial hypertension or heart attacks. But how can fish oil help to maintain normal blood pressure?

The benefits of vitamin D for hypertensive patients

Studying of 17 clinical researches with using fish oil in the diet of volunteers showed that 2 or more grams of fish oil daily can reduce blood pressure of hypertensive patients. However, the high dose of fish oil is allowed only under medical supervision.

Laboratory studies of vitamin D have proved that it suppresses the action of renin, high levels of which can cause hypertension. It also has a property of reducing the proliferation of connective tissue of vascular walls, where the lumen of the vessel narrows, thus increasing the pressure.

Fish oil contains DHA and EPA acids, which are the omega-3 fatty acids, so it lowers the levels of triglycerides in the blood, as National Institutes of Health states. Triglycerides are a simple fat. With an excess of this fat a clogging of blood vessels may occur, and, as a result – narrowing of the arteries. The normal level of triglycerides guarantees an adequate functioning of the heart. All this increases the development of hypertension.

But be careful! The high content of triglycerides in blood may cause diseases of the cardio-vascular system.

SEE ALSO: Fish Oil vs Flaxseed Oil

Fish oil and cholesterol

According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, fish oil also helps to increase the content of lipoproteins, the so-called “good cholesterol”. It is believed that this type of cholesterol helps to clean the arteries from the “bad cholesterol”, bringing it back to the liver where it is removed from the organism or processed in a more acceptable form.

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Dosage

The American Heart Association advises to take 2-4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids every day, but don’t forget to discuss it with your doctor. This recommendation is for people who hope to reduce the amount of triglycerides in the blood, as well as for those who have a desire to cope with the problem of high blood pressure naturally.

P.S. We take cod liver oil daily – this is the product we trust. They don’t use any fish body oils or synthetic additives. Arctic cod is known to be highest in DHA, vitamin D and A. We highly recommend this brand.