Eating oily fish regularly could improve your chances of survival if you suffer from a heart attack, a new study suggests.
Researchers from around the world recently joined together to analyse how consumption of omega-3 fatty acids - which are most prominent in fish - may impact heart disease.
They pooled findings from previous studies on the topic and found that overall, both plant-based and seafood-based omega-3s were associated with a 10% lower risk of fatal heart attacks.
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ff-photo via Getty Images
A total of 19 studies from 16 countries including more than 45,637 participants were involved in the review.
Of these, 7,973 people developed a first heart attack over time, including 2,781 fatal heart attacks.
Those with a diet rich in omega-3 were found to be 10% less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack than their counterparts.
In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, fish provide specific proteins, vitamin D, selenium, and other minerals and elements which may also be beneficial to health.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid found in walnuts, flaxseed oil, canola oil and a few other seeds and nuts, the researchers explained.
"These new results, including many studies which previously had not reported their findings, provide the most comprehensive picture to-date of how omega-3s may influence heart disease," said Del Gobbo, who worked on the study alongside senior author Dariush Mozaffarian.
"Across these diverse studies, findings were also consistent by age, sex, race, presence or absence of diabetes, and use of aspirin or cholesterol-lowering medications."
Mozaffarian added: "At a time when some but not other trials of fish oil supplementation have shown benefits, there is uncertainty about cardiovascular effects of omega-3s.
"Our results lend support to the importance of fish and omega-3 consumption as part of a healthy diet."
Great Foods For Heart Health
Oranges (01 of10)
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"Most people don't think of them at first, but oranges are great for your heart! The pectin helps neutralize a protein called galectin-3, which causes scarring in heart tissue. Make sure to eat the whole orange so that you get the pulp." --Celebrity Fitness Trainer Joel Harper (credit:Getty )
Chia Seeds(02 of10)
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"These tiny seeds are truly a heart-health powerhouse! They contain both omega-3s and filling fiber (5 grams per tablespoon). Fiber helps to lower cholesterol by acting like a magnet -- latching onto circulating cholesterol and escorting it out of your body. Simply add a spoonful of these nutrition sprinkles to your morning yogurt, mix into oatmeal, or blend into a smoothie to start your day off right."--Health and Nutrition Expert Joy Bauer (credit:Getty )
Popcorn(03 of10)
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“Movie theaters would have you believe that popcorn is just a nosh food, but the truth is, popcorn is a whole grain and is especially rich in polyphenols: plant antioxidants that promote a healthy heart. Another perk: Air-popped popcorn has about 30 calories per cup, so it’s an excellent way to cure a case of 'snackitis.’”--Samantha Cassetty (M.S., R.D.) nutrition director for the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and author of "7 Years Younger: The Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet" (credit:Getty )
Honey(04 of10)
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"While honey sometimes gets a bad rap in the sugar-busting movement, it’s actually nature's sweetener, and has has heart-health benefits. Studies show it can help lower cholesterol!" --Kirsten Helle, personal chef and nutrition consultant (credit:Getty )
Legumes (05 of10)
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“Legumes are great for your heart, because they are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber and calcium. Kidney, black and chickpeas are my favorite.” --Celebrity Fitness Trainer Joel Harper (credit:Getty )
Pasture Raised Eggs(06 of10)
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“Egg yolks are rich in Vitamin K2, which is like a traffic cop ushering calcium to your bones -- instead of calcifying them and, thus, hardening your arterial walls.” -- Ali Shapiro, Certified Holistic Health Counselor (credit:Getty )
Sardines(07 of10)
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“Salmon often gets all the kudos for it’s heart health benefits, but sardines are the ultimate underdog. They are ridiculously rich in omega-3s, which not only significantly reduce blood levels of artery-clogging triglycerides, but they’re also potent anti-inflammatories.”--Nutrition Expert Joy Bauer (credit:Getty )
Dark Chocolate (08 of10)
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"Good news for chocolate lovers -- dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which have been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Of course, consume in moderation." --Dr. Nancy Snyderman (credit:Getty)
Avocados (09 of10)
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“Sure, they’re rich in fat, but the monounsaturated fats in avocados can help lower unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels.”--Samantha Cassetty (M.S., R.D.) nutrition director for the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and author of "7 Years Younger: The Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet" (credit:Getty )