Effect of Fish Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors

IConsumption of fish provides a vital contribution to the survival and health of a significant portion of the world's population. Lipids in fish foods consist mainly of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA C22:6n-3) which belongs to the physiologically important group of n-3 fatty acids. The increase of unsaturated fatty acids, along with the reduction of saturated fats, supports the lowering of blood cholesterol in humans and causes a positive impact on human nutrition. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acids) plays a role in preventing heart disease and has anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombosis effects and these fatty acids cannot be synthesized and they must be obtained through diet. These nutritional benefits of fish consumption is mainly attributed to the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids , which are thought to have several potential cardio protective actions. This research is focused mainly identify highly consumed food fishes available in Batticaloa district( fresh, lagoon and sea water ) and their consumption pattern (cooking methods) of local community and by cardiovascular patients (CV) . Secondly Omega-3- Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and tocopherol content (Vit E) in the fresh fish and dried or smoked fish of the highly consumed food fishes would be assessed and the relationship between fish consumption and its PUFA and Vit E content would be known. Also research will focus how lifestyle, socio-demographic factors' influences on the Cardiovascular diseases among community.