One of the important things to understand is the proper ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet. Omega-6s are inflammatory agents, but omega-3s reduce inflammation, so they counter each other.
The problem is that Americans in general have a very imbalanced ratio of omega-3s and omega-6s. In fact, the University of Maryland Medical Center says that we typically consume 14 to 24 times more omega-6s than we do omega-3. This is why many health experts advocate the Mediterranean diet. It creates a better balance than the typical American diet, which reduces the risk of heart disease and other medical issues.
This is why medical experts continuously stress the need for omega-3s when it comes to keeping tickers healthy. Time and time again, researchers have found that omega-3s reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. For example, studies show that just two servings of fish on a weekly basis can cut the risk of stroke in half.
Omega-3s are like a natural heart guard. They keep the arteries from getting clogged and are great for both blood pressure and cholesterol levels. And if you’ve already had a heart attack, taking omega-3 supplements has been shown to reduce the risk of having another one.
Omega-3s are said to be good for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that studies link omega-3s to reduced joint inflammation. This can help to tame pain and stiffness associated with RA. One particular study even found that fish oil supplements may give some patients the ability to reduce their dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to manage the condition. That said, these supplements are not said to slow the progression of the disease itself.