Dr. Mark Filipovic, a researcher at the University of Zurich and Cantonal Hospital of Baden in Switzerland said that Omega-3 fatty acids which can be usually found in some fish and plant oils are helpful in keeping healthy level of blood pressure, Fremont Tribune reported.

According to Filipovic, the research was done by dividing people into four groups according to the levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. "We found adults in the highest quarter [group] had about 4 millimeters of mercury [mm Hg] lower systolic pressure and 2 mm Hg lower diastolic pressure, compared to those with the least omega-3 fatty acids in their blood," he said.

In a blood pressure reading, the systolic pressure is typically the first number recorded. For example, with a blood pressure of 120/80 ("120 over 80"), the systolic pressure is 120. By "120" is meant 120 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). It measures the pressure exerted against artery walls when the heart beats. Diastolic pressure, the bottom number, measures the pressure exerted when the heart rests between beats. A blood pressure of under 120/80 is considered healthy.

Filipovic further said that though the study did not prove cause and effect, it suggests that promoting diets rich in omega-3 foods could be a strategy to prevent high blood pressure.

How about those with already high blood pressure? Different study found that the ideal amount of Omega-3 fatty acids for those who already have high blood pressure is as low as less than a gram a day. This could help lower the numbers and can be taken from 3-ounce serving of salmon. The fish oil can improve function of the blood vessel and can reduce inflammation.

According to WebMD, the new study involved healthy people from both sexes aged 25 to 41excluding those with diabetes and which considered obese. "It is already known that very high doses of omega-3 fatty acids reduce the blood pressure levels momentarily," Filipovic added.

Good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, walnuts and canola oil.

This study is viewed preliminarily because it has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Filipovic presented it last Sunday at the American Heart Association's annual meeting.

Related