The October 2000 American Heart Association Dietary Guidelines encourage all Americans to
consume fatty fish (such as wild salmon) at least twice a week, as these fish are particularly
high in Omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to protect against heart disease. For
years, scientists have told us that regular consumption of these naturally-occurring Omega-3
fatty acids reduces the risk of sudden death and the likelihood of abnormal heart rhythms that
contribute to sudden death, while also protecting against heart disease by lowering blood
triglycerides and reducing blood clotting. Today, there are many studies showing the dramatic
and wide ranging health benefits of consuming fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids… fish like wild salmon!
Heart Health - The New England Journal of Medicine found that those with
the highest blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids were more than 80 percent less likely to die
suddenly from heart disease. And the benefits apply to women as well. A 16-year study of
almost 85,000 women found that those who ate fish two to four times weekly cut their risk of
heart disease by 30 percent, compared with women who rarely ate fish. Consumption of fish cut
women’s risk of dying from heart disease by 20-45%.
Reducing Risk of Strokes - According to The Harvard School of Public
Health, men who eat seafood as seldom as once a month may cut their risk of the most common
kind of stroke by more then 40%. Source: The New York Times, Dec 2002.
Cancer Prevention - Omega-3 fatty acids have shown tremendous anticancer
effects against breast cancer in experimental studies. Eating even moderate amounts (about 2-3
servings a week) of oily fish may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 50%, according
to a new study by Terry P, Lichtenstein P, Beychting M, Ahlobom A, Wolk a (2001) Fatty fish
consumption and risk of prostate cancer. Lancet. Junt 2;357(9270):1764-6. In this long-term study,
men who ate no fish during a 30-year period were two to three times more likely to get prostate
cancer than those who ate fish regularly.
Reducing Blood Pressure - In a study at University of Western Australia in
Perth investigators found that either a less fat diet or more fish diet reduced blood pressure. A
combination of the two produces even more reductions. Source: Hypertension, Oct. 1998
Deter Depression - In an analysis of 11,721 British women, found that more
omega-3 fatty acids a woman consumed in seafood during the third trimester, the less likely she
was to show signs of major depression at that time and up to eight months after the birth.
Fostering A Healthy Brain - A statistical analysis in the Archives of Neurology
revealed that people who ate fish once a week or more had a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease
than those who rarely or never ate fish. Oily fish such as salmon contain Omega-3 fatty acids that
already have been shown to reduce the risk of dying from heart disease. Animal research suggests
these Omega-3 fatty acids help nerve cells fire more efficiently and thus might help boost memory
abilities.
Fetal & Child Development - It has been demonstrated that getting enough omega
3 fatty acids very early in life is critical. An omega 3 derivative called docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA) actually helps build the brain, becoming rapidly incorporated into both the cerebral cortex
and the retina three months before and three months after birth, and more slowly but no less
significantly up until the age of two, when brain development is complete. ...Eating more fatty
fish, such as salmon, is the most efficient way to build your store of Omega-3s." Source: Essential
Fatty Assets, by Elizabeth Hiser, published in Eating Well.
Other Research Findings - Additional research suggests that while Omega-3’s do
not prevent or cure the following conditions, they may make the symptoms less severe and less
painful: Chrohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriasis, Eczema, Asthma,
high triglycerides and high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, attention deficit hyperactivity,
Chronic fatigue syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, Alcoholism, memory loss and obesity.