Omega 3 fats might help in lowering high blood pressure (BP), according to a new study published in Hypertension.

Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, contain two types of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) - DHA and EPA, that have been shown to reduce blood fats called triglycerides and possibly prevent dangerous heart-rhythm disturbances.

Due to this, it is recommended that adults eat these fish twice a week, and that people with heart disease consider taking fish oil pills to get extra DHA and EPA.

The effects of omega-3 fats on blood pressure are less clear. And it has not been known whether omega-3-rich foods, specifically, are helpful; this includes plant sources, which contain an omega-3 known as ALA, a precursor to DHA and EPA.

The International Study of Macro- and Micro-nutrients and Blood Pressure (INTERMAP) is an international epidemiologic study of 4680 men and women from 17 population-based samples in China, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States.

They found that people who ate more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids tend to have lower blood pressure. This relationship was seen with fish, as well as with vegetable sources, such as canola oil, soybean oil, flaxseeds and walnuts.

Among the study participants, those who ate relatively more omega-3 fats from food tended to have lower blood pressure. The results lend modest support to the general recommendation that adults increase their omega-3 intake.

The benefit was most clear among people without high blood pressure and those who were not taking medication or following a special diet to control their high BP.

The findings suggest that people eat their omega-3 fats as part of an overall diet, which helps control blood pressure. That includes limiting salt, alcohol and saturated fat, while getting enough vegetable protein and nutrients such as potassium and calcium. Hence, dietary sources of PUFA may contribute to prevention and control of high BP.

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