Why YOU really need Omega-3 Fatty Acids
10 Dec, 2017
1. Omega-3s Can Help Your Depression and Anxiety
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world.
Studies have found that people who consume omega-3s regularly are less likely to be depressed and what’s more, when people with depression or anxiety start taking omega-3 supplements, their symptoms get better.
There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: ALA, EPA and DHA. Of the three, EPA appears to be the best at fighting depression.
One study even found EPA to be as effective against depression as Prozac, an antidepressant drug.
2. Omega-3s Can Improve Your Eye Health
DHA, a type of omega-3, is a major structural component of the brain and retina of the eye and when you don’t get enough DHA, vision problems may arise.
Interestingly, getting enough omega-3 has been linked to a reduced risk of macular degeneration.
3. Omega-3s Can Improve Risk Factors For Heart Disease
Heart attacks and strokes are the world’s leading causes of death and researchers observed that fish-eating communities had very low rates of these diseases. This was later found to be partially due to omega-3 consumption and also, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have numerous benefits for heart health
4. Omega-3s Can Reduce Symptoms of Midlife Syndrome
Midlife syndrome is a collection of conditions.
It includes central obesity (belly fat), high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high triglycerides and low HDL levels.
It is a major public health concern, since it increases your risk of developing many other diseases. These include heart disease and diabetes and Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce insulin resistance and inflammation, and improve heart disease risk factors in people with metabolic syndrome.
5. Omega-3s Can Fight Inflammation
Inflammation is incredibly important. We need it to fight infections and repair damage in the body.
However, sometimes inflammation persists for a long time, even without an infection or injury being present. This is called chronic inflammation and can contribute to almost every chronic Western disease, including heart disease and cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the production of molecules and substances linked to inflammation, such as inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines and studies have consistently shown a link between higher omega-3 intake and reduced inflammation
6. OMEGA-3S CAN FIGHT AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign cells and starts attacking them.
Type 1 diabetes is one prime example. In this disease, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Studies show that getting enough omega-3s during your first year of life is linked to a reduced risk of many autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diabetes in adults and multiple sclerosis as well as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis.
7. OMEGA-3S CAN IMPROVE MENTAL DISORDERS
Low omega-3 levels have been reported in people with psychiatric disorders and studies have shown that omega-3 supplements can reduce the frequency of mood swings and relapses in people with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and may also decrease violent behavior
8. OMEGA-3S CAN FIGHT AGE-RELATED MENTAL DECLINE AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
A decline in brain function is one of the unavoidable consequences of aging.
Several studies have shown that higher omega-3 intake is linked to decreased age-related mental decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease
9. OMEGA-3S MAY HELP PREVENT CANCER
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the Western world, and omega-3 fatty acids have long been claimed to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Interestingly, studies have shown that people who consume the most omega-3s have up to a 55% lower risk of colon cancer and omega-3 consumption has been linked to a possible reduced risk of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women.
10. Omega-3s May Improve Bone and Joint Health
Osteoporosis and arthritis are two common disorders that affect the skeletal system.
Studies indicate that omega-3s can improve bone strength by increasing the amount of calcium in bones. This should lead to a reduced risk of osteoporosis.
Omega-3s may also help with arthritis. Patients taking omega-3 supplements have reported reduced joint pain and increased grip strength.
11. Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Improve Sleep
Good sleep is one of the foundations of optimal health.
Studies show that sleep deprivation is linked to many diseases, including obesity, diabetes and depression and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with sleep problems in children and obstructive sleep apnea in adults.
Low levels of DHA have also been linked to lower levels of the hormone melatonin, which helps you fall asleep.
12. Omega-3 Fats Are Good For Your Skin
DHA is a structural component of the skin. It is responsible for the health of cell membranes, which make up a large part of skin.
A healthy cell membrane results in soft, moist, supple and wrinkle-free skin.
EPA also benefits the skin in several ways, including
- Managing oil production in skin.
- Managing hydration of the skin.
- Preventing hyperkeratinization of hair follicles (the little red bumps often seen on upper arms).
- Preventing premature ageing of the skin.
- Preventing acne.
Omega-3s can also protect your skin from sun damage. EPA helps block the release of substances that eat away at the collagen in your skin after sun exposure.
OMEGA-3S HAVE MANY HEALTH BENEFITS
Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important for optimal health.
Getting them from whole foods, such as eating fatty fish 2 times per week, is the best way to ensure optimal omega-3 intake.
However, if you don’t eat a lot of fatty fish, then you may want to consider taking an omega-3 supplement.
For people who are lacking in omega-3, this is a cheap and highly effective way to improve health.
Here are my recommended links for best quality and most effective omega 3 supplements.
