According to Australian researchers, a combination of fish oil supplements and exercise can lead to weight loss and improved heart health.
The researchers from the University of South Australia in Adelaide examined the effects of fish oil and exercise on fat mass and cardiovascular health in 75 overweight adults.
All participants were between the ages of 25 and 65 and had either mild hypertension, elevated blood triglycerides or high total cholesterol levels.
Researchers randomly assigned participants to receive a daily fish oil supplement (360 mg DHA and 60 mg EPA) or a placebo, with or without am exercise regime.
The fish oil supplement group experienced a 14 percent decrease in blood triglyceride levels, and a 10 percent increase in HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.
The combination of fish oil and exercise reduced fat mass by 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg). Neither the fish oil alone, nor the placebo (with or without exercise) had a significant effect on fat mass.
This latest study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Rich sources of fish oil include salmon, herring and mackerel.
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