Foods rich in linolenic acid may protect the heart

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Foods rich in linolenic

acid may protect the heart

 

Women who eat foods

high in oils containing alpha linolenic acid (ALA) appear to have a

lower risk of dying from heat disease and of sudden cardiac death than

women whose diets are low in the substance, according to research

presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific sessions held

recently in New Orleans.

 

ALA belongs to the family of omega-3 fatty acids. Overall, “the

evidence is very compelling for omega-3 fatty acids conferring a

cardioprotective effect,” said Samantha Heller, senior clinical

nutritionist at New York University Medical Center in New York City.

 

Omega-3 fatty acids are present in fish such as mackerel and salmon.

ALA is found in some green leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli and

Brussels sprouts; walnuts and certain other nuts; canola oil; and some

salad dressings and margarines. The highest source is flaxseed.

 

Researchers examined the records of 76,763 women who were part of the

Nurse’s Health Study and who had completed an initial food

questionnaire in 1984. The questionnaire, which documented what and how

much they ate, was updated every four years.

 

During 16 years of follow-up, 169 women suffered sudden cardiac death,

564 died from coronary artery disease and 1,325 had heart attacks but

did not die from them.

 

The women were categorized into five groups based on how much ALA they

consumed, with the average intake ranging from 0.7 grams a day to 1.5

grams. Women with the highest intake had a 46% reduced risk of dying

from sudden cardiac death compared to women who had the least intake.

Women in the highest group were also 21% less likely to die from

coronary heart disease than women in the lowest group.

 

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