Category > Health Concerns > Mood > Omega-3 Oils

A test called HS-Omega-3 Index has been developed, and it appears to be a strong and accurate predictor of heart disease risk. It measures the amount of EPA and DHA in red blood cells.

Studies have shown that an Omega-3 Index of 8% or higher was associated with a lower risk for acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Also, a higher Omega-3 Index was associated with slowed “cellular aging” as well as a slower heart rate.

Below average Omega-3 Indexes were associated with depression and higher levels of inflammatory markers. Heart patients with a low Omega-3 Index also died at a faster rate than those with above average levels.

Dr. William Harris states, “It appears that it takes about one gram of EPA plus DHA per day for about half a year to move the average person’s Omega-3 Index of 4% up to the target of 8%. This will vary considerably depending on many variables, but that gives people a rough idea of where to start.”

Reference: WholeFoods Magazine; Nov 2011, 34-38 (The Omega-3 Index: A Powerful Indicator of Heart Disease Risk — An Interview with Dr. William Harris)

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