A fish based diet has the potential of influencing the general health and well being of the Native American community in North America. A 1991 Sante Quebec Health Survey revealed that Canadian native populations, which traditionally consume large amounts of fish, have lower death rates from heart disease than Canadian nonnative populations, which consume lower levels of fish in their daily diets. Research results were obtained from home interviews as well as clinical consultations.

 The Nunavik Inuit of Quebec, regardless of social changes, still tend to keep the diet of their ancestors, which is rich in fish and marine mammals. Death rates from heart disease in the Inuit is 50% less than that in the Quebec province as a whole. The Inuit's high blood content of EPA and DHA reflects their consumption of these foods from the sea.

 Clinical studies have backed up these findings and have shown that, higher intakes of fish and omega-3 fats helps to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease in people with diabetes.Researchers from Tufts University in the United States USA, have found that regular consumption of fish significantly reduces the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis in women with diabetes and coronary artery disease. 229 women took part in the trial over a 3.2 year period and the results were published in the September issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

In women with diabetes, eating two or more servings of fish or one or more servings of tuna or dark fish a week was associated with a lesser degree of narrowing of the arteries. Including fish in your diet is a good way to boost your intake of omega-3 fats, which have been shown to reduce blood to clotting, reduce susceptibility to an irregular heart beat, lower triglycerides, raise the good HDL cholesterol levels and may lower high blood pressure.