Monday, February 14, 2011

Fish Oil Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease

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A Michigan Technological University scientist is finding a growing body of evidence suggesting that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil protect against cardiovascular disease.

Fish oil has been shown to improve vascular function (blood flow) by decreasing triglyceride levels and the growth rate of atherosclerotic plaques, and by reducing blood pressure, says Jason R, Carter, chair of the Department of Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education at Michigan Tech. The underlying mechanisms responsible are not entirely clear, but reduction of sympathetic nerve activity (the flight/fight response) may be an important contributor, Carter suggests.

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