You may have heard about the research concerning fish oil and cholesterol reduction, as well as the benefit for lowering total blood triglyceride levels.  But, there are dozens, possibly hundreds of different brands out there.  Are they all the same?  No, they are not all the same, because the DHA content is not the same.

DHA or Docosahexaenoic Acid is the longest of the long-chain fatty acids.  Not all species of fatty fish provide the same amount of DHA. Research has proven that DHA lowers the level of small dense cholesterol particles.  On a blood triglycerides report, those small particles are referred to as LDL.  It is LDL that is associated with heart disease, particularly with atherosclerosis.

In atherosclerosis, known colloquially as hardening of the arteries, LDL particles stick to the inside of the arteries and blood vessels. Eventually, those particles become hardened due to oxidation.  When that happens, blood flow decreases, blood pressure increases and in some cases a complete blockage occurs.  LDL particles are sticky and there is always the risk that they will form a clot, which could cause a heart attack or a stroke.

The original studies concerning fish oil and cholesterol reduction were initiated during a time when it was thought that high triglycerides or total cholesterol was the only important consideration.  Doctors were suggesting that the major cause of the kinds of cardiovascular problems mentioned above was a diet that was high in fat.

That prevented something of a conundrum, because Eskimos and other natives had very little heart disease, yet their diets were very high in fat.  But, the fat came from cold water fish, seals and other saltwater creatures.  That’s why researchers first began to look at fish oil and cholesterol reduction.

All of the clinical trials were positive, as long as the supplement provided at least 260mg of DHA.  The best results were seen when a “complete” omega3 supplement was used.  You see, there are several different omega-3 fatty acids and in nature, all of them would be present.

Researchers often aim to find a specific “magic ingredient” that is the reason for the health benefits.  Usually, they find that it is the combination of all of the elements found in a specific food, or in this case in oils, that are responsible for the benefit.

If you are interested in learning more about fish oil and cholesterol reduction, the Xtendlife website provides a detailed explanation.  Their Omega3 DHA fish oil is the best on the market.

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