The impact of Omega-3 on cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Healthy diet and lifestyle play a major role in preventing these conditions. One nutrient that gets a lot of attention in this context is Omega-3. But what exactly makes Omega-3 so important for the heart? And how can you make sure you get enough of it? In this article, you'll discover what science says about Omega-3 and your heart, and how supplements such as those from Norsan can support this.

What is Omega-3 and why is it relevant to your heart?

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that your body cannot produce itself. The best known forms are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are mainly found in fatty fish. There is also ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a plant variety that your body converts to EPA and DHA to a limited extent.

Omega-3 plays an important role in several processes that directly affect your heart and blood vessels, such as:

• Regulating inflammatory responses

• Maintaining supple and elastic blood vessels

• Lowering triglycerides in the blood

• Supporting normal blood pressure

These properties make Omega-3 a valuable ally in protecting your heart.

Protection against cardiovascular disease

Several major studies show that people who regularly ingest Omega-3 are at lower risk of cardiovascular disease. For example, a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine that fish oil consumption leads to a lower risk of fatal heart attacks. Other studies also show a link between a higher intake of EPA and DHA and a lower risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Omega-3 helps lower blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension. It also reduces levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood that contributes to arteriosclerosis. Both effects contribute to reduced cardiovascular stress.

Supporting healthy cholesterol levels

A balanced ratio of HDL (good cholesterol) to LDL (bad cholesterol) is important for a healthy heart. Although Omega-3 does not directly affect LDL, it often increases HDL levels. In addition, it improves the composition of LDL particles, making them less harmful to the vessel walls. This helps slow the formation of plaques in blood vessels, an important factor in heart attacks and strokes.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a major cause of damage to blood vessels. Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit these inflammatory processes and thus support the integrity of the vascular system. This is especially important for people with risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure. By lowering inflammation levels, Omega-3 helps maintain a healthy heart over the long term.

Why a supplement is often necessary

The average Dutch person does not eat enough oily fish to get enough Omega-3. It is recommended to eat oily fish at least once a week, but in practice this rarely happens. For people with an increased risk of heart problems, such as the elderly or people with a familial burden, this is especially worrisome.

A supplement with high levels of EPA and DHA then offers a solution. Liquid supplements, such as Norsan's products, are especially well absorbed and make it easy to get a consistent daily dose. Norsan uses natural oils, without unnecessary additives, and offers both fish oil and vegetable alternatives.

Practical tips for daily use of Omega-3

Want to incorporate Omega-3 into your daily routine? Then there are some simple steps you can follow to ensure that your supplement use remains effective and enjoyable.

Start by choosing a set time in the day when you take your supplement. This can be at breakfast or with your evening meal. Choose a meal that contains fats, as this promotes the absorption of the fatty acids in your body. Consider a sandwich with avocado, yogurt with nuts, or a hot meal with olive oil.

The liquid form of Norsan Omega-3 is ideal for daily use. You can easily mix the oil with a smoothie, yogurt or salad. Be careful not to heat the oil, as high temperatures can damage the fatty acids. Always store the bottle in the refrigerator and seal it tightly after use to prevent oxidation.

Do you have trouble with the taste of fish oil? Then you can opt for Norsan's vegetable variant, based on algae. It also contains a high dose of DHA and EPA, but without a fishy taste. Also useful for vegetarians or people with fish allergies.

When in doubt, it is wise to consult your doctor or dietician, especially if you are already taking medication or have an existing cardiovascular disease. Together you can determine which dosage is best for your situation.

For whom is Omega-3 especially important?

Although Omega-3 is beneficial for everyone, there are groups that benefit especially:

• People with elevated cholesterol or high blood pressure

• People with obesity or type 2 diabetes

• Smokers or ex-smokers

• over-50s

• People with a familial predisposition to heart disease

For these groups, an Omega-3 supplement may be not only supportive, but even necessary to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Summary

Omega-3 fatty acids play a central role in maintaining a healthy heart and a well-functioning vascular system. They help regulate inflammation, lower triglycerides and support healthy cholesterol levels. Because many people do not eat enough fish, a supplement such as Norsan provides a safe and effective way to keep your intake up. By including Omega-3 in your daily routine, you are actively working to prevent cardiovascular disease.