There are heart-health benefits associated with eating fish. Many studies confirm this understanding as well as research indicating performance and health advantages in a variety of areas.
There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic, EPA, and DHA. Alpha-linolenic acid is found in plant oils. These are typically consumed via seeds (flaxseed, chia are both examples), nuts (walnuts, almonds) and vegetable oils. EPA (Eicosatetraenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) are fatty acids associated with fish consumption. The presence of each has been linked to both our mental and physical health. Deficiencies in either have been noted in human disease ranging from cardiac disease to cognitive decline. DHA in particular is a primary component of the brain, cerebral cortex, retina, and skin.
Omega-3 fatty acids are called essential fatty acids because they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Humans and other mammals have a limited ability to convert one of these fatty acids (alpha linolenic acid) to the others (EPA and DHA), but fish are much better at making this conversion.
Eating fish delivers Omega-3s better than supplements.
Eating fresh seafood is the best natural source of omega-3 fatty acids for human performance and health. This is especially true for athletes. Fish is a great protein source, as well. In contrast, fish oil supplements are usually consumed in addition to normal meals. Here are articles from the National Institute of Health on effective sources of omega-3s.
Enhanced incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids from fish compared to supplements: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17269556
Seafood is the best and safest source of long-chain omega-3 oils: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257669/
Typically, fish species with a higher fat content (think salmon, Chilean Seabass, Sablefish/black cod) will contain more omega-3s. All fish contains some level of omega-3s, however, and eating a variety of fish will help you reach your goal.
Article citing positive effects on heart, lungs, and arteries, and reduced inflammation: http://sircsportresearch.blogspot.com/2012/10/can-omega-3-fats-aid-performance.html#axzz2YSGIHNNz
Positive pulmonary effects of omega-3 supplementation during intensive training: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19523875
Lower oxidative stress before and after intense workouts when consuming flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21813916
Omega-3s reduce severity of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12904324
Overall, Health Benefits
Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits over lifetime:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262608/
Heart Health
Cardiovascular benefits of omega-3s alone as a reason to make sure that you get enough. Cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids – including lowering triglycerides, blood pressure, cardiac disease, risk of stroke: http://cardiovascres.oxfordjournals.org/content/73/2/310.long
Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease: http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/106/21/2747.full
Increased Longevity
Increased longevity of 2.22 years w higher omega-3 levels – Harvard long term health study: http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1671714
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Total Cause-Specific Mortality in Older Adults: – http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1671714
Brain Function Benefits
Omega-3 fatty acid levels and cognitive function in children: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0066697
Long term study of 1,674 elderly adults shows those who ate fish and seafood at least once per week were less likely to experience demential: http://www.bmj.com/highwire/filestream/387625/field_highwire_article_pdf/0.pdf
Eye Health
For aging eyes: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693724/
Reduces Risk of and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
50% decrease in risk of arthritis: : http://ard.bmj.com/content/early/2013/07/25/annrheumdis-2013-203338.short?g=w_ard_ahead_tab
Prostate Cancer
Reduced risk of prostate cancer with consumption of fatty fish- long term study 6000+ men in Sweden: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(00)04889-3/fulltext