Does taking fish oil every day increase blood cholesterol?

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It is one of the most popular dietary supplements. In fact, taking fish oil every day may have some effect on blood cholesterol levels.

Fish oil is extracted from the tissues of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna. This supplement brings many health benefits, from reducing inflammation to improving eye, brain, skin, and hair health, according to the US news site Popsugar .

Fish oil has many health benefits such as reducing inflammation, maintaining eye, skin and hair health.

PHOTO: AI

The specific effects of fish oil on blood lipids, especially cholesterol, are still under investigation. Fish oil contains two main types of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid).

Studies show that omega-3s have the potential to improve heart health by positively affecting blood lipid levels, including triglycerides, “bad” LDL cholesterol, and “good” HDL cholesterol.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), fish oil supplements often significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are neutral fats. High triglyceride levels are often associated with other cardiovascular and metabolic problems.

Fish oil makes LDL cholesterol particles smaller

The effects of fish oil on LDL and HDL cholesterol are somewhat more complicated. Some studies have shown that fish oil may slightly increase LDL cholesterol, which is considered “bad” cholesterol because it can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.

Interestingly, however, studies have found that while levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol may increase with fish oil, the LDL cholesterol particles become smaller. This means that LDL cholesterol is less likely to cause harm. Fish oil also slightly increases levels of HDL cholesterol, the type of cholesterol that is good for the heart.

Another important point is that the dosage and form of fish oil used can also affect the effectiveness. Studies in people taking high doses of fish oil, usually 2-4 grams of omega-3s per day, have shown more significant reductions in triglycerides than lower doses.

In addition to its effects on blood lipids, fish oil also has many other scientifically documented health benefits. According to the non-profit medical organization Mayo Clinic (USA), one of the outstanding benefits is the ability to reduce chronic inflammation, which is the underlying cause of many diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and some autoimmune diseases, according to Popsugar .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/uong-dau-ca-moi-ngay-co-lam-tang-cholesterol-trong-mau-18525060613301697.htm