Adding omega-3s to your diet also helps counteract the excess saturated fat and omega-6 oils found in meats and most vegetable oils.

When researchers measured the level of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA within red blood cells, they found that they had discovered one of the most significant predictors of heart health called the omega-3 index. This index was a better predictor of coronary artery health than other established markers such as total, LDL, or HDL cholesterol; C-reactive protein; and homocysteine. A low omega-3 index score resulted in the least protection and the greatest score resulted in the most protection.

A regular strength fish oil softgel contains about 300 mg of EPA and DHA. A concentrated fish oil softgel typically contains 500 to 600 mg of EPA and DHA.

Most experts recommend a daily dosage of 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA combined. Higher doses may be required for therapeutic applications.