Can Omega-3 Supplements Raise My LDL Levels?
Introduction
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the bad part of cholesterol. It is needed but too much is bad for you because it will cause plaque build up on the walls of your arteries. This narrows the flow of blood to your organs and can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks.
So the upfront answer to the question is probably not. In fact Omega-3 has been found to lower persons cholesterol and this is good!
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is made up of three components LDL, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and trigs (triglycerides). So when you get your blood sample results from your doctor you will get four cholesterol results.
Total Cholesterol – This should be less than 200 mg/dL
LDL – This should be
HDL – This is your good cholesterol because it takes the bad cholesterol back to the liver for removal. The level for this is should be between 40 and 60 mg/dL.
Trigs –
So what does each of these cholesterol elements do for your body?
Function OF LDL
LDL is a carrier that carries fat to your cells to give them energy. Once it gets to the cell, the fat is taken in by the LDL receptors on the surface of the cells allowing the cell to take the fat in. One reason a person can have high LDL in the blood stream is a lack of LDL receptors a condition called hypercholesterolemia.
Function Of HDL
HDL is known as the good cholesterol because it removes the excess cholesterol in the body and transports it to the liver for removal. By doing this, it will reduce the risk of heart disease by removing the fats that can cause plaque.
Function Of Trigs
Trigs, a type of fat, provide your body with energy. They are absorbed in body through your diet.
Omega-3
People who consume Omega-3 have seen their total cholesterol levels go down. So if you have high LDL levels, Omega-3 may be your answer to reducing LDL.
Conclusion
Omega-3 will not raise the level of LDL in your blood stream. But, it will lower your total cholesterol reducing your risk of heart disease improving the overall quality of your health.