Fats and Your Heart 3
Polyunsaturated fats and your heart
Like monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats lower LDL cholesterol when substituted for saturated fats in the diet. Polyunsaturated fats called omega-3 fats—particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found primarily in fish— lower triglyceride levels, prevent potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythms, and slightly lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
Omega-3 fats may also make platelets less sticky, and thus less likely to form blood clots that can cause a heart attack.
Another type of omega-3 fat called alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) is found in walnuts and soy, canola, and flaxseed oils.
While ALA appears to share some of the qualities of EPA and DHA, more research is needed to determine its precise heart benefits.
Omega-6s are coming under increasing scrutiny as well for heart health and for overall disease fighting properties.
Fish oil is easily taken in supplement form, and Omega-3s can easily be enjoyed in your salads.
