The BBC news reports on a new study that suggests that fish oils may not be beneficial to heart health. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is thought to protect against heart disease and UK guidance advise eating up to four oily fish portions a week. But results of a new long term study suggests that consuming fish oils did nothing to prevent the occurence of heart attack in patients with chronic heart disease. In fact, men with stable angina given high amounts of oily fish were at a higher risk of heart attack and recorded an increased number of cardiac deaths.

Dr. Mike Knapton, director of prevention and care at the British Heart Foundation, said people should not stop consuming omega-3 fats or eating oily fish as a result of this study. He claims risks associated with eating very high amounts of oily fish are “possibly related to mercury levels.”

For those of us who prefer to get our omega-3 the toxin-free way, flax seed is a great alternative.

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