Three major foodborne n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The functions of ALA, EPA and DHA were reviewed, including reduction of triacylglycerol levels and platelet aggregation, relieving inflammation and oxidative stress index, and improvement of hemodynamics of blood vessel and heart, and prevention of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. At last, the combined effects of ALA, EPA and DHA on cardiovascular diseases were summarized and prospected. |