National Center of Excellence for Vein Disorders
Videos About Venous Disease from the Vein Treatment Center
Omega 3 Fatty Acids and the HeartBy: Hratch L Karamanoukian, MD December 11, 2008 |
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Have you heard of Omega fatty acids? They're part of the essential fatty acids your body (and heart) need. The American Heart Association (AHA) weekly recommendation is 1,500 to 4,500 milligrams of EPA & DHA, the potent omega-3 fats found in seafood. People with heart disease should aim for 1,000 milligrams of EPA/DHA a day.
Even people with damaged hearts do better eating more omega-3s. How much more? Most authorities encourage most people to have at least 2 weekly servings of seafood, especially richer varieties like salmon. While the same omega fatty acids can be found in pills and fish oil preparations, it is not fully determined if they have the same benefit as the "natural" form obtained by eating seafood. The American Heart Association also recommends "tofu and other forms of soybeans, canola, walnut and flaxseed, and their oils. These contain alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), which can become omega-3 fatty acid in the body. The extent of this modification is modest and controversial, however. More studies are needed to show a cause-and-effect relationship between alpha-linolenic acid and heart disease". To read more about AHA recommendations, click on the link below: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4632
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For more information about varicose veins, spider veins, venous reflux and treatment options such as the closure procedure or guided sclero, contact Dr. Karamanoukian at the Vein Treatment Center, a National Center of Excellence for Vein Disorders by email or by phone at (716) 839-3638. |
