Ask Marilyn: Fish oils for a heart attack?
Q: I had a heart attack a few years ago. Should I be taking a supplement of omega 3 fish oils?
A: Numerous studies have shown that omega 3 fatty acids help to protect against heart disease and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence has just recommended that if you’ve had a heart attack you should eat at least 7g of omega 3s per week (that’s two portions of oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and fresh tuna.
Doctors have also been advised to prescribe 1g of omega 3 daily for anyone who can’t do this, starting from three months after a heart attack, for up to three years.
I suggest that you eat a diet with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables oily fish, nuts, seeds and pulses as these foods are linked to lower heart disease risk. And add in a supplement like Omega 3 Plus to get the correct amount of essential fatty acids in your diet. Reduce the amount of saturated fats in your diet by avoid meat and eating dairy foods in moderation. Avoid trans fats completely as just an increased consumption of trans fats by only 2% increases the risk of heart disease by a massive 30%.