Algae can now be a source of sustainable omega-3 fatty acids, which in relatively small amounts, have been found to lower blood pressure and could ultimately lead to the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk.

Such were the recent findings of scientists from King's College London published in the April issue of the Journal of Nutrition.

Results showed that a daily intake of 0.7g DHA lowered diastolic blood pressure by 3mm of Hg. Diastolic blood pressure (resting or background pressure) is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular events. A 3mm reduction in the average population blood pressure could help to prevent thousands of heart attacks and strokes.

The purified oil rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) used in the study was extracted from the marine algae crypthecodinium cohnii.

Fish oil generally contains much more Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) than DHA. In previous studies using fish oil, an excess of 2-3g of omega-3 fatty acids are needed to lower blood pressure. The DHA, as shown for the first time in this study, even in low amounts can lower blood pressure.

Besides, unlike fish oil, not only is the algal DHA sustainable (plenty of sources) but is lucrative to vegetarians.

Find more details from the full report.