If you're interested in the health of your heart and blood vessels, you've probably heard about the benefits of omega-3. These fatty acids are particularly beneficial for cardiovascular health. But what's the link between omega-3 and your heart? Let's explore it together.
Omega-3s are a family of essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body. They can, however, be manufactured from their precursor if supplied by the diet.
The precursor of the omega-3 fatty acid family is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). It is said to be essential, which means that it must be supplied by the diet. From this compound, the body synthesizes other omega-3 fatty acids, notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, the conversion rate of ALA to EPA-DHA is too low to cover the body's needs. The latter are therefore also considered essential and must be supplied by the diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for the development and functioning of the retina, brain and nervous system.
Recent data show thatEPA and DHA play a role in brain function in adults and during aging.
The foods richest in omega 3 come from land plants (walnuts, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, linseed oil, etc.), which contain ALA, andmarine animals (fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies, etc.), which containEPA and DHA.
The cardiovascular system distributesoxygen and nutrients essential to cell life via the heart and blood vessels, while eliminating waste products.
The cardiovascular system is like a network of pipes with :
The cardiovascular system is a mechanism that needs to be looked after. Many diseases can affect it.
The most common cardiovascular diseases are heart attacks and strokes. These cardiovascular diseases result mainly from the deposition of fatty deposits on artery walls. These deposits form atherosclerotic plaques and eventually impede the flow of blood to all organs, especially vital ones such as the brain and heart.
Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in France. Some people who eat a lot of fish are still spared, which is why scientists have been studying the role of essential fatty acids in the flesh of these seafood products for several years.
Numerous researchers have demonstrated thecardioprotective effect of omega-3s in primary prevention, i.e. before the onset of cardiovascular problems.
Other scientific data have also shown that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids promotes (source: ANSES) : a reduction in blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, as well as a reduction in the quantity of triglycerides in the blood, a type of lipid which, in excess, contributes to the development of heart disease.
At the individual level, the effects of omega-3 on cardiovascular health may vary according to gender, initial nutritional status and genetic factors.
From omega-3s, the body produces leukotrienes and anti-aggregating prostaglandins. Leukotrienes have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to slow the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Anti-aggregating prostaglandins prevent blood platelets from clumping together to form a clot.
On the other hand, the leukotrienes and prostaglandins obtained from omega-6 have almost antagonistic effects. That's why it's important to have a good balance between omega-6 and omega-3.
Omega-3s also help fluidify the membrane of red blood cells, and are said to be vasodilators, which also protects against atherosclerosis.
According to ANSES (Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail), our diet provides only 30% of the recommended nutritional intake of omega-3.
The INCA2 study by ANSES reveals that 99% of French people are deficient in omega-3. This serious deficiency is aggravated by consumption of too few omega-3s and too many omega-6s and saturated fatty acids, which hinder the body's optimal use of omega-3s.
To make up for this deficiency, we strongly recommend eating omega-3-rich foods, such as oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel 2 or 3 times a week. You can also opt for certain vegetable oils such as rapeseed, soybean and linseed oil .
It's also possible to balance your omega-3 intake with regular, high-quality, adequately-dosed supplements.
To support you and ensure optimal daily intake of omega-3s, Laboratoire Dielen has formulated Molval®. This naturally-sourced dietary supplement combines purified fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) with our GABOLYSAT® marine bioactive peptides.
This nutritional complex combines nutrients that contribute to the functioning of the heart and blood vessels*.
Molval also benefits from Dielen film coating, which helps protect nutrients from gastric acidity by delaying their release into the intestine. The coating uses no chemical additives, only gums of natural origin.
In addition to omega-3 intake, a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity are highly recommended to protect against cardiovascular disease.
You are the main actor in your own health, and you can take action on certain cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stress and alcohol.
*EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function. The beneficial effect is obtained by consuming 250mg of EPA and DHA per day.