The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that, beginning at age 20, you get your cholesterol checked every five years and more frequently for men over 45 and women over 50. The AHA also recommends for those with coronary heart disease a daily intake of one gram of omega-3 fish oil preferring fish over supplements. Fish with higher omega-3 oils include: mackerel, tuna, salmon, trout, anchovy, and sardines.
Omega-3 fish oil lowers high triglycerides and helps prevent heart disease. According to www.webmd.com it may help a number of other entities from high blood pressure and stroke to arthritis and weight loss. The amount of omega-3 suggested for each of these varies.
(Did You Know? Watch for high mercury content in mackerel, shark, and swordfish and limit intake to once a week.) Most fish oil supplements contain about 300 mg of omega-3s. A Tufts University review of the literature found that daily intake of 250 mg of omega-3s is associated with a 35% lower risk of sudden cardiac death and 17% fewer fatal coronary events for those with no known coronary disease. An average of 3.5 ounces of fish may provide 1000 mgs of omega-3s.