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The Peter Attia Drive

#83 - Bill Harris, Ph.D.: Omega-3 fatty acids

Dec 9, 2019
Bill Harris, an internationally recognized omega-3 expert and professor, shares his extensive knowledge on fatty acids. He dives into the health benefits of omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA, emphasizing their significance for heart health. Harris discusses the history of dietary fats, clarifying misconceptions surrounding omega-6 and omega-3 ratios. He highlights the differences between prescribed fish oil drugs and OTC supplements, while explaining the impact of various oils on cholesterol. Insights on the Inuit diet bring added context to omega-3 intake and its effects.
02:02:26

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • High doses of EPA and DHA reduce triglycerides significantly, showcasing a lowering effect on heart health.
  • EPA in omega-3 displays antiplatelet properties, improving blood flow while DHA could impact LDL receptor function.

Deep dives

High Dose Omega-3 and Effects on Health

Giving high doses of omega-3, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can lead to significant reductions in triglycerides. In a study where subjects were given 25 grams of EPA and DHA daily, triglycerides decreased from about 100 to 75, showcasing the impactful lowering effect. Apart from triglycerides, LDL cholesterol levels also saw a pronounced reduction from 250 to 230, demonstrating a positive impact on heart health.

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