Faced with a cardiac event like a stroke or heart attack, you might turn to anything that promises help that you’ll recover, stay out of the hospital, and live a longer, healthier life.

A new study conducted by the American College of Cardiology showed that eating foods high in Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to a longer life – 3 years longer, to be exact, according to their study. These findings compare to those who didn’t eat heart-healthy foods following a stroke, heart attack, or another life-threatening heart event.

In the study, researchers followed 944 patients for three years after their first heart event, leading to hospitalization. The study found that those with the highest Omega-3 levels in their blood had the best outcomes. They were significantly healthier and did not have a heart event that required re-hospitalization. In contrast, those that did not consume adequate amounts of Omega-3 had either another heart event that needed hospitalization or had died within three years.

In the United States, Omega-3s are the second most common supplement consumed daily among people that use supplements. With the way Omega-3s contributes to heart health, it’s easy to understand why.

Omega-3s have far more reaching benefits beyond just the heart. From joint mobility to improved memory – Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for your entire body and mind to function well, especially as you age.

What Are Omega-3s?

Omega-3s aren’t just one thing but are a group of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids that include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA). Both types of Omega-3s contribute to the structure and function of every human cell. More specifically, EPA keeps your heart and blood vessels healthy, and DHA supports your brain and neurological function.

Omega-3s can only be replenished through your diet. Most respected health organizations like the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommend consuming at least 250mg of DHA and EPA every day either through food or supplements. Getting the necessary amount strictly from your diet seems to be nearly impossible; that’s why many physicians recommend taking an Omega-3 supplement.

Omega-3 supplements are essential for your overall health if you don’t consume at least eight ounces of fatty fish each week. Even if you do, a supplement can ensure you get enough omega-3 fatty acids each day to actively boost your heart’s health and deliver all of the other amazing body benefits.

Taking a daily Omega-3 supplement is purported to have several physical and cognitive health benefits. Some of these benefits include a healthy brain, improved eye function, lowered blood pressure, reduced triglycerides, and weight management. Studies show that higher serum levels of Omega-3 are associated with healthy aging, defined as survival without chronic illness, such as cancer, cardiovascular, lung, or kidney disease. Omega-3 has also been shown to help fight chronic inflammation, reducing joint pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.

Best Sources for Omega-3s

Fish oil has been the most widely used form of Omega-3 for the better part of a century, but that’s changing. Krill oil is gaining in popularity because it has a substantially lower risk of contamination and spoiling. It also appears to be more easily absorbed by the body, among other benefits.

Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Krill Oil is packed with 1,600 mg of K-REAL® Antarctic Krill Oil, 320 mg Omega-3 DHA and EPA, bound in 550 mg of phospholipids for maximum bioavailability.

Dynamic Krill Oil also contains 2 mg of super antioxidant Astaxanthin. Oxidative stress has a detrimental effect on your immune response. As one of the most potent antioxidants, Astaxanthin naturally reduces oxidative stress and helps ensure your immune system is functioning as it should.

Krill oil supplements can help you improve your heart health, reduce pain, and promote healthy brain tissues, among other benefits. As always, in addition to taking krill oil, aspire to include a healthy diet in your daily routine and get plenty of daily exercise for a comprehensive approach to good overall health.

Source: 2020. Jacc.Org. https://www.jacc.org/doi/pdf/10.1016/j.jacc.202