Seal Oil Can Reduce Cholesterol

Seal Oil Can Reduce Cholestero
---by Yan Jun Xu, Winnipeg, Canada, CV Net WORK

 

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer in the modern world . An Increase in the blood level of the bad cholesterol (LDL) is considered to be a major cause of CVD as it contributes to atherosclerosis and hardness of blood vessels . It has been estimated that lowering blood LDL to a normal range would reduce CAD by one third .

Early observations by a group of Danish doctors reported that the low incidence of CVD in Inuit people living in Greenland was related to seal meat in their diet . Experimental and clinical research has demonstrated that seal oil can reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, increase good cholesterol (HDL), prevent platelet activation, a major cause of thrombosis, as well as reduce blood viscosity and inflammation . Recent studies have found that seal oil contains high amount of Omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) . Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is often overlooked as a component of long-chain Omega-3 PUFAs .This is primarily because most Omega-3 studies have been conducted with fish or fish oil that contain only small amounts of DPA . Fewer studies have been done using seal oil with its much higher content of DPA . DPA works with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid to provide benefits . DPA is said to be ten times more effective than EPA in healing damaged blood vessels .

A recent review article (1) suggests that oxidative stress and inflammatory processes play important roles in the development of atherosclerosis . Oxidized LDL can easily penetrate the wall of blood vessels, attract macrophages and platelets and evoke an inflammatory response . Oxidized LDL is formed by the reaction of free radicals and LDL . Seal oil has also been shown to be an effective anti-oxidant .

Taking 5 seal oil capsules or 15 ml/day may be recommended for individuals needing to lower their blood LDL . However, it is advised to consult a physician before taking any supplement .

 1 . Adameova A, Xu Y-J, Duhamel TA, Tappia PS, Shan L, Dhalla NS . (2009) Anti-atherosclerotic molecules targeting oxidative stress and inflammation . Curr Pharm Des . 15:3094-107