Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Articles

Omega-3 in fish: How eating fish helps your heart

Content

If you're worried about your heart health, eating at least two servings of fish a week could reduce your risk of heart disease.

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish rich in unsaturated fats at least twice a week. All fish are a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. But fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s and other nutrients in fish may improve heart health. They also may lower the risk of dying of heart disease.

Some people may worry about mercury or other contaminants in fish. But the benefits of eating fish as part of a healthy diet usually outweigh the possible risks of exposure to contaminants. Learn how to balance these concerns with adding a healthy amount of fish to your diet.