These fats are also found in flaxseed, flaxseed oil, canola oil, soybean oil and nuts. Omega 3 fatty acids have many beneficial effects. They have a blood thinning effect which can help protect against heart disease but may increase bleeding risks. They minimally lower blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids may also exert their beneficial effect biochemically in part by altering the balance between different types of prostaglandin molecules produced by many tissues in the body.
Fish oils have antiinflammatory effects.
They help blood vessels dilate and inhibit the development of atherosclerosis. However, it appears that the main way they help is by stabilizing the electrical conduction system of the heart. This helps prevent against rapidly fatal irregularities in the heart rythm which often occur in patients with atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that these fats do lower the risk of dying suddenly from heart disease. This benefit occurs in people with established heart disease and in people without any evidence of heart disease.