Khaberni - Sardines are a good and inexpensive source of omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for the heart, along with other nutrients, but do fish oil supplements provide the same nutritional value beneficial for the heart?
Research suggests that fish oil supplements may not benefit the heart to the same extent and may even increase the risk of irregular heartbeats.
According to "Free Will Health," despite the popularity of fish oil supplements among consumers who prefer dietary supplements, there is not enough evidence to prove that they benefit heart health, as explained by Deepak Bhat, director of the Mount Sinai Heart Hospital in New York.
Assessing Supplements
"In fact, quite the opposite. There is data from large-scale trials showing that they do not provide any benefit for heart and cardiovascular health."
Bhat added, "It has been proven that fish oil supplements can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, which is the most common type of irregular heartbeat."
Bhat noted that it is better to consume omega-3 fats as part of a healthy diet, rather than "isolating a single component and consuming it in a large dose" with a dietary supplement.
What about sardines?
On the other hand, sardines provide minerals: calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
However, you may need to pay attention to other ingredients added to canned sardines, which are sometimes packed in olive oil, water, or tomato sauce, and may be rich in sodium
While sardines may be nutrient-rich fish, they are also increasingly contaminated with microplastic particles.
Therefore, moderation in consumption and obtaining omega-3 acids from multiple sources such as olive oil and avocados is a better approach.
