Omega 3 Health Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of fatty acids which play a number of important roles in the human body. As they’re essential, the body needs them, but cannot produce them, meaning they should come from dietary sources instead. Typically, omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and fish oil supplements.

The three most vital types of omega-3 fatty acid are ALA (alpha-linoleic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

But what exactly is it about omega-3 fatty acids that makes them so healthy and beneficial?

Here are 4 health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

Cardiovascular Heath

Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked with a wide range of cardiovascular health benefits, leading to experts believing that they may actually improve heart health and cardiovascular health in general.

Omega-3s may help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is a risk factor for numerous heart issues. On top of that, it may help to reduce LDL cholesterol which can cause blocked arteries, while also boosting healthy HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps to reduce LDL cholesterol.

There is even evidence to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can prevent blood clots by stopping platelets from clumping together in the bloodstream.

Vision

Omega-3s have been linked with reduced rates of age-related macular degeneration and have been found to help potentially support vision. Not only that, but in the case of DHA, they may help to reduce eye-related health issues. DHA, is a form of omega-3 fatty acid. This fatty acid is also found naturally in the eyes as it is a major structural component of the retina. A lack of DHA has been linked with an increased risk of vision problems.

Cognitive Health

Omega-3 fatty acids can help to improve cognitive health and function in a host of different ways. Omega-3s have been found to improve short and long-term memory, they may help to improve mental health and alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. As well as that, they may help to improve reaction times and boost critical thinking and problem-solving.

Inflammation

Prolonged inflammatory responses can do the body more harm than good. Inflammation can cause joint and muscular pain, headaches, stiffness, a lack of mobility, and general aches and pains. It can also be a pre-cursor for more serious chronic health conditions such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, and some forms of cancer.

Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may possess anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the production of inflammatory markers and substances such as cytokines and eicosanoids.