Celebrity chef James Martin backs new Omega 3 Group healthy heart campaign

“Eat at least one portion of oil-rich fish a week” is the message of a new heart health awareness campaign backed by celebrities including James Martin, Gabby Logan, Rick Stein, Brian Turner and Nick Nairn.

Organised by The Omega 3 Group, the campaign follows the ruling from the highly respected Joint Health Claims Initiative (JHCI) that long chain omega 3 essential fatty acids in oil-rich fish help maintain heart health.

Celebrity chef James Martin, who is fronting the campaign, commented: “Oil-rich fish is the most natural source of omega 3 fatty acids which are proven to help reduce the risk of heart disease. There are so many fantastic things you can do with oil-rich fish like fresh mackerel, filleted and grilled, served with salad and spiced gooseberries, just a simple classic dish that’s fantastically good for us. I always refer to the Mediterranean way of eating where fish like sardines appears on the menu and these types of oil-rich fish are a regular feature of my own diet at least once a week.”

Nell McAndrew is also a huge oil-rich fish fan. She said: “I always incorporate oil-rich fish into my diet, especially before a marathon. My favourite is mackerel but I love salmon and trout too. Oil-rich fish has so many health benefits. It’s good for your heart and can help boost brain power and is a great beauty tool too, helping your hair, nails and skin.”

Dr Ray Rice, who co-ordinated the Omega 3 Group’s submission to the JHCI and is Secretary of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) said: "It has never been more important to be aware of heart health and with only a third of the UK population eating the recommended amount of oil-rich fish a week, two thirds may be putting their lives at risk. This campaign will not only raise awareness of the benefits of oil-rich fish but will also show the many different and delicious ways of cooking it."

Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said: “There is consistent evidence that eating oil-rich fish containing omega 3 fatty acids can help protect against heart and circulatory disease – the UK’s biggest killer. Omega 3 fatty acids can help to lower levels of fat in the blood and reduce blood clotting.

“Unfortunately, most British people do not eat enough oil-rich fish. We should aim to eat at least two portions of fish a week, one of which should be an oil-rich variety, such as sardines, trout, mackerel or salmon.

“By eating more fish, as well as more fruit and vegetables, consuming less salt and saturated fats, not smoking and increasing physical activity, the chances of developing coronary heart disease are significantly reduced.”

To view the press release in full visit www.richinomega3.com.

Notes to Editors

1. This omega 3 awareness campaign is being run by The Omega 3 Group, comprising of representatives from the industry and main seafood, fish farming and economic development organisations operating in Scotland, such as the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish), Seafood Scotland, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) and Scottish Food and Drink in association with Scottish Enterprise. The project is supported by the Scottish Executive with Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) funding.