The fatty acid the heart likes
As early as 1937, the first published study was able to demonstrate the benefits of fatty fish. Scientists had studied the Eskimos and found that their diet of fatty fish, seals and whales helped them avoid many of the western world's welfare diseases. In fact, this research continued until the 1990s, when they moved on to study the pure, essential fatty acids in fish - omega-3s.
EPA and DHA
Over the last 25-30 years, the production of fish oil has focused on two specific omega-3 fatty acids - EPA and DHA. The reason for this is that research showed that these particular fatty acids were extremely important for the heart, blood vessels, brain and eyesight.
Essential fatty acids - must be supplied
Omega-3 with the fatty acids EPA and DHA are so-called essential fatty acids. This means that the body - although they are essential for life - cannot produce them itself. They have to be supplied through the diet in one way or another.
The right amount for the heart and blood vessels
EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, has been studying the wealth of research material produced on fatty fish and fish oil/omega-3 for over 80 (!) years. It has been determined that it is the combination of EPA and DHA that is important, and that one should consume at least 250 mg of both fatty acids together daily to obtain the above health benefits.