Doctor highlights cod liver oil as valuable for artery health
Health expert Eric Berg points to cod liver oil as beneficial for cardiovascular health, though specialists stress no single food can replace a healthy overall lifestyle.
Cardiovascular health largely depends on daily habits — physical activity, quitting smoking, and diet. Health expert Eric Berg has drawn particular attention to an omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), obtained mainly from fish and fish oil.
What harms the arteries
One of the main risk factors is elevated "bad" LDL cholesterol, which promotes buildup on artery walls. High blood pressure and smoking are similarly harmful, while people with diabetes, excess weight, and sedentary lifestyles face greater risk. Genetics and chronic stress also play a role.
EPA's role compared to aspirin
According to Berg, EPA helps lower triglyceride levels in the blood and affects platelet clumping, reducing the risk of arteries becoming blocked. He notes this effect somewhat resembles that of low-dose aspirin. However, this does not mean fish oil can replace doctor-prescribed medication — they work differently, and treatment should not be changed without medical consultation.
Berg considers cod liver or cod liver oil the most valuable food for artery health, as it also contains vitamins A and D. Other fatty fish rich in omega-3 include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovies, as well as oysters. For those who don't eat fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts offer an alternative, though the body converts their omega-3 form into EPA less efficiently.
Aspirin doesn't actually clean arteries
Specialists explain that aspirin doesn't actually clear deposits from blood vessels — it merely reduces platelet clumping and thus clot risk for certain patients. It isn't meant as prevention for everyone, since it can increase bleeding risk.
Experts emphasize that no single food can substitute for a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Anyone considering high-dose supplements, especially with chronic conditions or elevated bleeding risk, should consult a doctor first.
