(NaturalNews) Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the developed world. It is largely a lifestyle disease, and simple changes in diet and exercise can considerably lower the risk. One such simple change is an increase in the consumption of n-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (1). The authors of a 2009 article estimated that between 72,000 and 96,000 premature deaths could be prevented annually just in the U.S. alone by optimizing n-3 fatty acid levels (2).

The importance of n-3 PUFAs in health and disease is readily acknowledged by mainstream health organizations. For example, the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association (AHA) has this to say about omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease (3):

"Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown in epidemiological and clinical trials to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Large-scale epidemiological studies suggest that individuals at risk for coronary heart disease benefit from the consumption of plant- and marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids, although the ideal intakes presently are unclear. Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies suggests that EPA + DHA supplementation ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 g/day (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces subsequent cardiac and all-cause mortality. For alpha-linolenic acid, total intakes of 1.5 to 3 g/day seem to be beneficial."

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