Could Fish Oil Improve Heart Health?

By Jami D. Eddy | October 28, 2019

Many older adults are looking for ways to improve their heart health. Many experts suggest eating a few servings of fish each week as part of a heart healthy diet. That could leave you wondering whether fish oil supplements might offer heart health benefits, too. New research suggests that they just might.

Fish Oil and Heart Health

Senior Care Quincy, FL: Could Fish Oil Improve Heart Health?

Researchers from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts conducted a review of previous studies involving fish oil supplementation. They reviewed 13 studies that involved over 120,000 adults in total. The researchers found that taking a fish oil supplement every day was associated with a lower risk of dying from heart disease. The typical dose of fish oil was 840 mg per day.

Lead research, Dr. JoAnn Manson, stated that focusing on increasing the amount of fish people eat is still the best course of action. However, the results of the review suggest that fish oil supplement may be a viable option for some people. Fish oil supplements are believed to be a benefit to heart health because they may reduce inflammation in the body.

Other Foods That Are Good for the Heart
While supplements have their place in improving the health of certain individuals, diet is still one of the best ways to help your aging relative protect their heart health. Some other foods that should be part of a heart healthy benefit are:
• Herbs and Spices: Using herbs and spices to flavor food instead of using salt gives dishes lots of flavor without increasing sodium intake, which can lead to high blood pressure.
• Nuts: A handful of nuts is a satisfying snack packed with protein that also has heart health benefits.
• Black Beans: Black beans can be a great addition to soups, salads, and other dishes. They are loaded with fiber as well as folate, magnesium, and antioxidants.
• Olive Oil: Made from mashed olives, olive oil is a healthy fat that can be used in place of saturated fats, such as butter. It can be used in cooking or as a salad dressing. Olive oil helps to protect blood vessels and using it instead of saturated fats can help to lower cholesterol.
• Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is a great sweet treat that is also good for heart health. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa.

Senior care can assist older adults to improve their diet for better heart health. A senior care provider can plan meals that use heart healthy ingredients and avoid those known to be unhealthy. For example, a senior care provider can make a salad that uses olive oil as a dressing rather than fat and sodium laden bottled dressings. Senior care providers can also drive the older adult to the grocery store and help them to shop, picking foods that are good for them and that they enjoy.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care in Quincy, FL, please call the caring staff at Hopewell In-Home Senior Care today at 850-386-5552.Providing Senior Care Services in North Florida.

Sources
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/news/20191001/fish-oil-supplements-may-do-your-heart-good#1
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/ss/slideshow-foods-to-save-your-heart

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Jami D. Eddy

Administrator at Hopewell In-Home Senior Care

Jami Eddy is the Administrator and an owner of Hopewell In-Home Senior Care. She graduated from Florida State University in 2005 with a major in criminology and a minor in psychology. Jami has been with Hopewell for more than 10 years and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business.