LOWERING CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD PRESSURE WITH OMEGA 3 OILS.
Most cardiovascular diseases are the result of atherosclerosis or hardening of the artery walls, due to build up of plaque containing cholesterol, Fatty material, and cellular debris. For example, heart disease usually refers to a restriction or blockage of the coronary arteries which supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. If the blood flows through these arteries is severely blocked because of the buildup of cholesterol containing plaque, severe damage or death to the heart muscle may occur. This results in what is commonly known as a heart attack.
Atherosclerosis and its complications are the major causes of death in the United States and have reached epidemic proportions throughout the Western world. Heart attacks, Strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases related to atherosclerosis are responsible for roughly 43% of all deaths in the US.
Atherosclerosis is a degenerative condition of the arteries characterised by accumulation of lipids (mainly Cholesterol, usually complexed to proteins, and cholesterol esters) within the artery. The atherosclerotic plaque or atheroma, represents the end point of a complex insidious process. Although any artery may be affected, the aorta, coronary and arteries supplying the brain are frequently involved.
The role of cholesterol in atherosclerosis.
The first step in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and strokes is the reduction of blood cholesterol levels. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that elevated cholesterol levels are deadly. However, not all cholesterol is bad; it serves many vital functions in the body including the manufacture of sex hormones and bile acids. Without cholesterol many body processes would not function properly. Cholesterol is transported in the blood by molecules known as lipoproteins. Cholesterol bound to low density lipoprotein ( LDL) is often referred to as the bad cholesterol while cholesterol bound to high density lipoprotein (HDL) is referred to as the good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease, strokes and high blood pressure while HDL Cholesterol actually protects against heart disease.
LDL transports cholesterol to the tissues. HDL on the other hand, transports cholesterol to the liver for metabolism and excretion from the body. Therefore the LDL-to-HDL ratio ( also referred to as cardiac risk factor ratio) largely determines whether cholesterol is being deposited into tissues or broken down and excreted. The risk for heart disease can be reduced dramatically by lowering LDL cholesterol while simultaneously raising HDL cholesterol levels. Research has shown that for every 1% drop in the LDL cholesterol level, the risk for a heart attack drops by 2%. Conversely, for every 1% increase in HDL levels, the rise for a heart attack drops 3 to 4%.
In addition to keeping an eye on your cholesterol level, it is also important to keep the level of triglycerides in the proper range. Here are the recommended levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Total cholesterol.-Less than two 100MG/DL.
- LDL cholesterol.-Less than one 30MG/DL.
- HDL cholesterol.-Gratia then 35MG/DL.
- LDL to HDL ratio.-Less than 4.5.
- -50 to 150. MG/DL.
Omega 3. Oils and cholesterol.
Scientific studies have shown normalisation of blood lipids (fats) in hyper Lipidemic individuals when supplemented with Omega 3 fatty acids. Decreases in harmful LDL Cholesterol, increase in favourable HDL Cholesterol, and reduction of triglyceride levels have been demonstrated.
Omega-3 fatty acids have the uncanny ability to breakdown cholesterol in the lining of blood vessels, as well as serving as the solvent for saturated fats in the diet. The end result is less cholesterol in the body and bloodstream, and a reduced likelihood of cholesterol/heart disease complications in the future..
Omega- 3 oils and blood pressure.
Each time the heart beats it sends blood coursing through the arteries. The peak reading of the pressure exerted by this contraction is the systolic pressure. Between beats the heart relaxes and blood pressure drops. The very lowest reading is referred to as the diastolic pressure. A normal blood pressure reading for an adult is.
- Systolic./80 Diastolic.
High blood pressure or hypertension refers to a reading of greater than 140/90.
An elevated blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for a heart attack or stroke. Since heart disease and strokes account for over 43% of all deaths in the US, it is very important to keep the blood pressure in the normal range. Over 60 million Americans have high blood pressure. Again, dietary factors appeared to be the primary reason.
Besides attaining ideal body weight, perhaps the most important dietary recommendation is to increase the consumption of plant foods in the diet. A primary vegetarian diet typically contains more potassium, Complex carbohydrates, Essential fatty acids, Fibre, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, and less saturated fat and refined carbohydrates, all of which have a favourable influence on blood pressure.
Increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids can also lower blood pressure. Over 60 double blind studies have demonstrated that either fish oil supplements or flaxseed oil are very effective in lowering blood pressure. Fish oils have typically produced a more pronounced effect than flax oil. This is due to the fact that the dosage of fish oil in the studies done was quite high.(e.g. Exceeding 30 fish oil capsules a day.) this means a daily dose of 10 to 30 capsules and an average monthly cost of $US40. Dollars to $US100. The dosage and expense of 30 fish oil capsules daily is impractical for the average consumer. At a similar dosage, Flaxseed oil would cost between $US6 and $US18.00 per month. Flaxseed oil is the better choice for lowering blood pressure, especially when cost effectiveness is considered. Since it has been shown that commercially available fish oils contain very high levels of lipid peroxides and greatly stress of antioxidant defence mechanisms, at this time, it makes the most sense to rely on cold water fish and flaxseed oil for the omega-3 oils rather than fish oil capsules.
Along with reducing the intake of saturated fat, one tablespoon per day of flaxseed oil should drop both the systolic and diastolic readings by up to 9 mm Hg.. One study found that for every absolute 1% increase in the body alpha- linolenic acid content there was a decrease of 5mm hg in the systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure.
SUMMARY.
The beneficial effects of omega-3 oils in protecting as well as treating cardiovascular disease are quite obvious. Omega-3 oils impact many numerous factors linked to heart attacks and strokes. They lower LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides, inhibit excessive platelet aggregation, lower Fibrinogen levels, and lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure. Flaxseed Oil offers the most cost effective and beneficial method for increasing the intake of omega-3 oils in the diet.
Permission. For the Reproduction of this article was obtained From Stoney Creek Oils. Who we thank and support..