Benefits of Fatty Fish

Fatty fish like salmon, sardine, tuna and trout are core components of a healthy diet. The American Heart Association recommends at least two servings of fatty fish per week to help prevent and treat several forms of heart disease. Oily fish contain high concentrations of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which possess powerful therapeutic and health-boosting properties. Consult a physician or dietician about the potential benefits of eating more oily fish, particularly if you have a medical condition.

Blood Pressure Support

According to the National Institutes of Health, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help prevent and treat high blood pressure. This, in turn, may lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or another serious cardiovascular episode.

Triglyceride Reduction

The Maryland University Medical Center recommends a diet rich in fatty fish to reduce high triglyceride levels--a cardiovascular condition that involves excessive amounts of fat in the bloodstream. Esters derived from fish oil are now an FDA-approved treatment for high triglycerides.

Cardiovascular Health

The Maryland University Medical Center supports the use of fish in the diet to prevent serious cardiovascular events. Omega-3 fats in fish can prevent blood clots, hardening of the arteries, hypertension, abnormal heart rhythms and other risk factors for heart attack and stroke. The UMMC reports that people with preexisting cardiovascular disease are less likely to experience or die from a heart attack if they are eating a diet rich in fatty fish.

Anti-Inflammatory

According to the National Institutes of Health, omega-3 fatty acids in fish can help to combat inflammation. A diet rich in oily fish can reduce the symptoms of chronic inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The NIH notes that these effects are greatest when combined with conventional medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Mental Health

T he Maryland University Medical Center notes that the human brain is largely composed of omega-3 fats. Although there is not enough evidence to recommend a high-fish diet as a sole treatment for any mental illness, UMMC regards a fatty fish as a possible complementary treatment for depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder.

Cancer Prevention

A diet rich in fatty fish may help to prevent some forms of cancer, according to the UMMC. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a decreased risk of prostate, colon and breast cancers. More studies are needed to determine the role that fatty fish may play in the treatment and prevention of malignant tumors.