If you're wondering if you're getting enough Omega-3 in your diet, a blood test can help you decide if you need to eat more fish. The Omega-3 index blood test measures the good fats in your red-blood cells, and grades you on your related risk of heart disease. Some doctors say the test is a useful motivator, while others say most people need to focus first on basics such as losing weight and eating vegetables…

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that have been found to reduce the risk of death from heart disease. A growing body of research also suggests they may also boost memory and combat arthritis. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice a week, and some doctors also recommend fish-oil supplements.

"It's a good test," but most people have other, more pressing health issues they should focus on first, says Stephen Kopecky, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Wall Street Journal by Laura Johannes, 10/13/09  

Tags: Cardiology, fish oil, Omega 3