Cod liver oil: Cardiovascular superfood

For 4,000 years, aspirin has been a cornerstone in preventing heart attacks and strokes. However, recent research reveals a food with superior benefits and no side effects. This cardiovascular superfood could transform your arterial health without the risks associated with traditional medication.

The aspirin problem

Until 2022, daily aspirin was recommended for adults over 60 as cardiovascular protection. However, subsequent studies questioned this practice due to potential complications:

• Bleeding ulcers
• Brain hemorrhages
• Gastrointestinal problems

These risks, although infrequent, suggest that aspirin isn't suitable for everyone. We need safer and equally effective alternatives.

Protective mechanism: Beyond blood thinning

Aspirin's main cardiovascular benefit is its ability to "thin the blood," reducing clot formation. This is crucial because:

1. Approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes result from clots
2. Nearly 50% of cardiac events occur between 6 a.m. and noon

The explanation: elevated morning cortisol levels increase blood coagulation. This same mechanism explains "broken heart syndrome," where losing a loved one increases cardiovascular event risk by up to 2000%.

The active ingredient that surpasses aspirin

The key component providing cardiovascular protection without side effects is omega-3 fatty acid, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

EPA: The ultimate arterial protector

Clinical studies demonstrate that EPA:

• Reduces coagulation comparable to low-dose aspirin
• Stabilizes vulnerable arterial plaques by decreasing inflammation
• Reduces plaque rupture risk (main cause of sudden blockages)

A 2019 study showed that patients supplemented with EPA experienced:

• Significant decrease in plaque formation
• Reduction in vascular inflammation
• 25% fewer cardiovascular events

Additional advantage of EPA over conventional medications

Unlike traditional anticoagulants, EPA offers additional benefits:

• Improves mood
• Reduces cortisol and adrenaline (hormones that increase coagulation)

Fundamental mechanistic difference

Conventional anticoagulants:

• Aspirin: interferes with platelet "glue" formation
• Warfarin: blocks vitamin K1, preventing "superadhesive" formation

EPA:

• Replaces a key ingredient in clot formation
• Platelets remain functional but less adhesive
• No effect on other necessary coagulation mechanisms

This selective action explains why EPA presents no significant side effects.

The ultimate cardiovascular superfood

Among all EPA sources (salmon, mackerel, fatty fish, fish oil), one food stands out with additional benefits: cod liver oil.

This superfood provides:

1. Optimal EPA: essential anticoagulant fatty acid

2. Active Vitamin A (retinol):

   • Repairs arterial inner lining
   • Has potent anti-inflammatory effects
   • Decreases atherosclerotic plaque formation

3. Vitamin D3:

   • Among 1000 compounds studied, vitamin D proved most effective in preventing arterial endothelial layer damage
   • Decreases arterial stiffness
   • Reduces arterial calcification (along with vitamin K2)
   • Stabilizes existing plaques
   • Prevents plaque ruptures

Practical application

For optimal benefits:

1. Choose wild-caught, not farmed, cod liver oil
2. Take the recommended dose on the package, usually 1-2 teaspoons daily
3. If preferred, canned cod liver provides similar benefits
4. Maintain consistency in consumption for cumulative effects

Conclusion

Cod liver oil represents a superior alternative to aspirin for cardiovascular protection. Its triple action through EPA, vitamin A, and vitamin D provides comprehensive benefits for arterial health without the risks associated with anticoagulant medications.

This superfood, used for centuries in coastal cultures, now has modern scientific backing. Its safety profile and efficacy make it an ideal option for those seeking to optimize their cardiovascular health naturally.