We all must have found out by now that fish meat and natural oils are extremely beneficial for our health. Especially the Omega 3 essential fatty acid found in high amounts in fish products helps us preserving our health intact or fighting against cardiovascular disease. There is also the Omega 6 essential fatty acid that is met in fish which, associated with its "sibling" Omega 3, has a dramatic effect upon our fettle and stamina.

Previous scientific studies have shown that fish oils work best on preventing sudden death and irregular heart beat, but the reason why it is so beneficial was not known for sure. However, the most recent research on this subject found that fish is as beneficial as its intake improves the electrical system of the heart and fights against heart rhythm disorders. The omega fatty acids intake is most beneficial for elder individuals.

The new research consisted in the thorough investigation of more than 5000 files of individuals aged 65 or more. The experts analyzed their cardiovascular risk rate between 1989 and 1990. Results proved that eating fish once a week improved heart rhythm as compared to eating fish once a month. But individuals that were eating fish at least 5 times a week showed that they had the healthiest hearts of all. In conclusion, the more fish one eats, the healthier his heart rhythm is.

The study was carried out by a medical team from the Harvard Medical School, Boston, and was led by Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian. The leader of the study explained how the fatty acids found in fish really work upon our heart: "The heart resets its electrical activity after every beat. When there is heart disease, the resetting can be delayed. That is dangerous. Animal studies have indicated why the omega-3 fatty oils confer their beneficial effect. The fish oils get into the membrane of heart cells and affect the function of their protein channels. Potassium, sodium and calcium pass through those channels, controlling the whole electrical cycle."

However, individuals should be aware that not all fish is so beneficial for the heart. Fried fish, for example, has no effect upon our health. On the other hand, boiled or baked fish dishes do wonders to our physical condition.

"Previously, we have seen that intake of fried fish - which in the US are most often commercially sold fish burgers or fish sticks - is not associated with blood levels of n-3 fatty acids. This suggests that it may be the n-3 fatty acids in tuna and other broiled or baked fish that are having a positive impact on the heart's electrical parameters," Dr. Mozaffarian added.