"It's like a heavy weight pressing down on your heart, and there's this intense throbbing pain all across your chest," whispered Uncle Ahmad, his face contorted with discomfort as he reminisced about the day, he experienced a heart attack. The same words echo through homes across Malaysia, a visceral reminder of the many lives cut short by heart-related problems. It's not just a number; it's a story, a tale of hearts carrying the burden of a silent health crisis that's affecting our whole nation."

In Malaysia, where we're known for our diverse cultures and delicious food, there's a hidden problem beneath the surface. More and more people are facing cardiovascular diseases that are taking lives too soon. When we talk about premature deaths, we mean lives lost between the ages of 30 and 69, which is earlier than Malaysia's average life expectancy of around 75. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, and Malaysia1 is no exception to this sobering trend.

Uncle Ahmad's story is like a mirror reflecting the experiences of countless Malaysians grappling with the aftermath of cardiovascular events that strike without warning. The tricky part is that some who lead healthy lifestyles may also get heart disease due to factors like family history and should also go for regular health checks. However, amid this uncertainty, there's a beacon of hope - Omega-3, a shield for your heart.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients the human body cannot produce. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood. Clinical studies2 have shown that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial as primary and secondary prevention to a range of cardiovascular disease, from reducing the risk of heart disease to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Ensuring an adequate daily intake of omega-3 EPA+DHA is crucial for maintaining optimal health, with a general recommendation ranging from 250 to 500 milligrams for healthy adults3. The American Heart Association4 recommends 1,000 milligrams of EPA+DHA per day for patients with coronary heart disease and two meals of oily fish per week for people without heart disease.

Good news is that 78% of Malaysians consumed fish at least twice per week, with 'ikan kembung' (Indian mackerel), 'ikan tenggiri' (Spanish mackerel), and 'ikan merah' (red snapper) as their top choices of omega-3 intakes5 (Figure 1). Notably, "ikan kembung" boasts a higher omega-3 content per 100g when compared to salmon, with 2.6g versus 1.4g6,7. But if you're not reeling in enough seafood, or if you're not a fan of fishy feasts, no worries - here's the golden nugget - Appeton Essentials Fish Oil with Omega 3. Sourced from one of the cleanest ocean areas in the world, Appeton Essentials Fish Oil with Omega 3 uses the fish caught off the Peruvian and Chilean coasts, where the fish species in this area contain high levels of EPA and DHA. Using patented Zeecap™ technology, the fish oil is encapsulated in airtight gelatin, protected from moisture and any unwanted odours. The result is a supplement that offers the pure goodness of omega-3 without any strange tastes or unpleasant smells. By taking just 2 Licaps of Appeton Essentials Fish Oil with Omega 3 each day, you can effortlessly meet the recommended daily intake requirements.

Uncle Ahmad's journey is a reminder to take care of our hearts, and omega-3 is like a health boost for a happy heart. So, whether you're getting your omega-3 fix from a seafood source or embracing the supplement route, it's all about giving your heart the love and protection it deserves. In the face of uncertainty, let omega-3 be your heart's superhero, standing guard against the unexpected twists and turns that life may throw your way.

Learn more: APPETON ESSENTIALS FISH OIL WITH OMEGA-3

References:

1. Statistics on Causes of Death Malaysia 2023, Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM)
2. Shen, S. et al. (2022). Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and coronary heart disease risks: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.809311
3. Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). (2012). EFSA Journal, 10(7). https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2815
4. Kris-Etherton, P. M., et al (2003). Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 23(2), 151-152. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.atv.0000057393.97337.ae
5. Norimah, A. K., et al. (2008). Food Consumption Patterns: Findings from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS). Malaysian journal of nutrition, 14(1), 25-39.
6. Kementerian Kelautan Dan Perikanan Republik Indonesia. KKP. (12 Aug 2021). https://kkp.go.id/bkipm/artikel/33880-fakta-unik-ikan-kembung
7. Omega-3 fatty acid content in Fish - College of Agricultural Sciences. (n.d.). https://seafood.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/snic/omega-3-content-in-fish.pdf