But that could prove to be a bit of a mouthful to heart patients in Orkney. They are being prescribed herrings instead of pills.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood fat levels and reduce blood pressure, the fish is being handed out to patients instead of the more conventional beta-blockers or cholesterol-reducing drugs usually favoured by GPs.
For those who don't like the taste of herrings, tinned sardines are also available at the surgery in Stromness, which has 2,800 patients.
Each week Andrew Trevett dispenses two portions of marinated fish from the surgery's fridge to people who have survived heart attacks or suffer from coronary heart disease.
Doctors decided it was a logical step to persuade patients to eat more fish in their diet - by prescribing it.
Patients are further reminded of the health benefits by posters around the building stating that oily fish can reduce the chance of a second heart attack by up to 30%.
Stan Headley, a patient who survived a major heart attack two years ago, now eats a daily diet including sardines for lunch, trout for dinner and herrings for supper.
"The concept of getting fish on prescription seemed pretty radical to me - it was the last thing I expected."
Mr Headley, a keen fisherman, said he was happy to change his diet, but not all fishermen enjoyed eating fish.
He has also had a complete lifestyle change and has been encouraged to give up smoking a pipe and run a mile each day to make him healthier.
Fiona Holgate, of the Orkney Health Board, which is fund ing the scheme, said: "A lot of people used to eat salt fish in Orkney, but it no longer forms a major part of their diet.
"We are trying to encourage them to eat it because it is so good for them. The Orkney herring is locally caught and it really does taste lovely."
Patients can also take heart from the additional reputed benefits: it is a favourite ingredient for pet food manufacturers who claim it adds a sleeky shine to animals' coats.
