Health officials have been recommending that we eat more fish as a way of getting more omega-3 fatty acids in our diet. Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids; particularly fatty fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel. Lean fish such as snapper and catfish are not as high.

Researchers have found that after we eat fatty fish, the level of omega-3 fatty acids circulating in our blood goes up. Other research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can protect against irregular heart beat and fatal heart attacks. The beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids can even be found in people sixty-five years of age and older.

The American Heart Association has changed its dietary guidelines and now recommends that fatty fish- those rich in omega-3 fatty acids be eaten at least twice a week. The International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids after its international workshop on "the Essentiality of and Recmmended Dietary Intakes for Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids" published tables of adequate daily intakes (but not Recommended Dietary Allowance) of omega-3 fatty acids. It's recommended 650 mg total omega-3 fatty acids per day for adults.