But while eating such oil-rich fish as mackerel, sardines and salmon can significantly lower your risk of a stroke, the same cannot be said for fish oil supplements.
Sardines are an oily fish and a great source of omega-3
Oily fish, including mackerel, sardines, salmon and fresh tuna (not
tinned), is packed full of omega-3 fatty acids making it full of health
benefits, with Government guidelines currently recommending we eat two
portions a week.
Yet a new study has shown that while fish oil supplements – which are commonplace in medicine cabinets throughout UK households – contain omega-3, there was no significant link between taking them and reducing your stroke risk.
In fact, of the 800,000 people studied, those who ate two or more portions of oily fish a week were found to have a six per cent lower risk of stroke than those who only ate one or less. But the researchers couldn’t say whether this is prove that getting nutrients from food rather than supplements is better for your health, or if there is something else found in oily fish that makes them so super healthy.
[Related: Five foods to make you smarter]
Dr Peter Coleman, deputy director of research at the Stroke Association suggested it could be because those people who eat plenty of fish may have healthier diets in general, lowering their risk of stroke in other ways.
But he did warn that we shouldn’t overdo it on the fish front. “A lot more research is needed in this area before we decide to eat fish every day of the week. Everyone can reduce their risk of stroke by exercising regularly, consuming a healthy, balanced diet and getting your blood pressure checked."
So rather than relying on popping a pill, it might be time to return little fishes to our dishies. Do you swear by supplements - and will this put you off? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter.
