How many times have you heard that you are what you eat? It appears to be true, especially when it comes to nutrients from essential fatty acids (EFAs). In fact, the status of omega-3 fatty acids as a heart healthy nutrient is thoroughly corroborated by a large body of research.

According to the Center for Disease Control, about 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year, roughly 1 in every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women but men appear to be more at risk. In 2009, more than half deaths due to heart disease were in men. Could taking a supplement help change those numbers?

Recently, a long term 2017 study out of the UK determined to further investigate omega-3’s overall effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. This impressive study was carried out over a period of 22 years with over 20,000 participants. A wide age range was profiled with men and women age 39 through 79 at the start of the study. Participants were sorted into three groups: those who took supplements but not omega-3, those who took supplements including omega-3, and non-supplement users. They qualified omega-3 supplement use as 300 mg or more per day containing both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fatty acids.

The study findings were yet another confirmation of omega-3 as heart healthy. Participants who took omega-3 supplements had a 26% lower risk of dying from CHD compared to non-supplement users. Given the above CDC number, that’s saving about 158,000 lives a year! Additionally, this association between omega-3 supplementation and CHD was similar for both men and women and those in higher risk groups such as those who were overweight, had a history of myocardial infarction, diabetes and for smokers. In other words, everyone benefited from omega-3!

In the published study discussion, the researchers noted their findings were consistent with those of another study showing 250-500 mg/day of omega-3 lowered CHD mortality risk by 25% or more. Finally, supplement users who did not take omega-3 had a slightly reduced risk for CHD mortality, but not nearly that of the omega-3 takers.

Back to you are what you eat. The longitudinal aspect of the study also showed that consistent supplementation is critical to maintain omega-3’s benefits. If supplementation was stopped, so did the protective benefit.

So take this research to heart! Make sure omega-3s are a part of your supplement regimen, and be consistent to reap the benefits for yourself. TyH offers 4 choices, vegan Flaxseed Oil, Omega-3 or Omega-3 ES™ fish oil and Krill oil (smaller softgels, easier to swallow). More importantly, our fish oils are molecularly distilled to remove contaminants so you only get the best without the rest!