Omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial effects not only for the heart but for other health concerns as well. Since the American Health Association released a collection of studies that analyzed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing cardiovascular diseases, several health articles for the heart have stressed benefits of eating fish. Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced in the body and can only be obtained from foods that contain it like fish and certain nuts and seeds.



Omega-3 fatty acids is considered most abundant in fish that it's benefits have been considered to outweigh worries about mercury contamination from eating so much fish. Doctors advise that we eat at least 2 servings of fish weekly. Here are some of the richest fish in terms of their omega-3 content:

Sardines and herring ? A hundred grams of this group of fish contain an average of 1.7 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines are simply small herrings wherein the larger ones usually get to be called herrings. If you can't find fresh ones, buy those that are packed in olive oil or in their own oil.

Mackerel ? A hundred grams of this fish packs around 2.2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, except for king mackerel that may have lesser omega-3 contents and higher amounts of mercury.

Tuna ? Bluefin tuna has 1.6 grams of omega-3 in every 100 grams. If you go for canned tuna, choose those light tuna like yellowfin, bluefin, and skipjack tuna, that are packed in water than in oil. They often have higher omega-3 contents. Check the nutrition information in canned tuna to get the most amount of omega-3.

Trout ? A hundred grams of lake trout also contains 1.6 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Trouts are freshwater fish that are related to the family of salmon.

Salmon ? This famous fish has 1.4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids in every 100 grams. You'll love this fish no matter how you cook it.

The amount of omega-3 fatty acids mentioned in this health article are based on Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) contents. EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids that are often found in fatty fish. Health experts also advise that we shop for farmed fish more often than wild fish in order to avoid buying fish with higher mercury contents.

Adding fish to our diet will lessen our intake of saturated fats. It boosts our consumption of omega-3 fatty acids that lower bad cholesterol levels, increase good cholesterol, and prevent excessive blood-clotting that builds up plaque and inflammation in the arteries. Being good for the heart is just one of the several healthy benefits of eating fatty fish. Add it to your diet and see a healthier you.