Have Hypertension? Consuming 3 Grams of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Daily May Lower Blood Pressure

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the many nutrients that are critical to the body’s function. Along with boasting a number of other health benefits, omega-3 plays a vital role in promoting cardiovascular health by eliminating lipids from the bloodstream – and according to new research that was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, consuming just three grams of omega-3 per day may be able to help treat adults suffering from hypertension.

What is Hypertension?

Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is defined as having blood pressure above 140/90. A patient may be diagnosed with severe hypertension if their blood pressure is above 180/120.

While hypertension itself is rarely noticeable unless you measure your blood pressure, it can lead to several other serious cardiovascular conditions. Hypertension forces the heart to work harder than normal, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and congestive heart failure.

To treat hypertension, most physicians recommend a combination of medication and dietary/lifestyle changes. Avoiding foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat, stopping smoking, and limiting your alcohol consumption are effective ways to lower your blood pressure.

Treating Hypertension With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

While saturated may be bad for hypertension, the opposite is true for omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, we’ve known for quite a while that omega-3 is able to break down fats in the bloodstream and lower triglyceride levels, making it effective at preventing high blood pressure.

Thanks to an analysis of dozens of studies looking at the link between omega-3 and hypertension, though, we now know that three grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day is the ideal amount for treating hypertension. The study’s analysis found that patients who consumed three grams of omega-3 daily either through the foods they eat or dietary supplements saw an average drop in their systolic blood pressure (the top number) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 2 mmHg.

Additional Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

In addition to helping improve your cardiovascular health, getting the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids can offer a number of other health benefits. According to a wide range of studies, potential health benefits of omega-3 include:

• Improving eye health
• Reducing fat in your liver
• Promoting brain health and development in adolescents
• Fighting inflammation
• Improving bone and joint health

This list is by no means comprehensive, and new research is highlighting additional benefits of omega-3 fatty acids all the time. If you are looking for a way to treat your high blood pressure while at the same time enjoying numerous other benefits, eating foods high in omega-3 or taking a quality omega-3 supplement are great options to consider.

Foods That Are High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

If you would like to get more omega-3 into your diet, there are plenty of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This includes foods such as:

• Fish
• Eggs
• Milk
• Oatmeal
• Soy milk
• Peanut butter ‘
• Flaxseed
• Kale
• Spinach
• Broccoli

If you aren’t fond of the foods on this list, taking an omega-3 supplement is an equally effective way to get the recommended amount of omega-3. Flaxseed oil supplements and fish oil supplements are both widely available and can provide all of the omega-3 you need for optimum cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

From reducing blood pressure to improving bone and joint health, the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are substantial and wide-ranging. If you suffer from hypertension, be sure to discuss with your physician whether getting more omega-3 into your diet is a good option for you. At St. Jude Labs, we are committed to helping our patients live healthier lives. With our health and wellness testing panel, we are able to provide a full assessment of your health to identify risks and establish important baseline levels. To schedule an appointment for health and wellness testing with St. Jude Labs, be sure to contact us today!