Air Date: Week of March 2, 2001

Transcript

TOOMEY: When it comes to fish, leaner is not necessarily healthier. A new study has found that among the elderly, eating fatty fish lowers the risk of dying from a heart attack. The findings mirror studies done on middle-aged adults. For seven years researchers followed the eating habits of nearly 4,000 people over the age of 65. They found that folks who ate fatty fish at least once a week had a 44 percent lower risk of dying from a heart attack. The reason: Fatty fish contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, and Omega-3s are thought to prevent irregular heart rhythms, which can lead to heart failure. Types of fatty fish include tuna, salmon, and mackerel. Researchers say lean fish, such as cod, catfish, and snapper, did not offer similar protection from heart attacks. That's this week's health update. I'm Diane Toomey.

CURWOOD: And you're listening to Living on Earth.

(Music up and under: Jeff Fahey, "Steel Guitar Rag")