15 Health Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
With a fast paced lifestyle, health and nutrition can often feel like a burden. It gets in the way of making it to work on time, interferes with relaxing on the couch and often makes you feel guilty when you grab some fast food. But sooner or later you’ll have to take notice, so why not start with one of the most important aspects of your diet, Omega 3′s.
The Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for your overall health. They can be acquired through fish, nuts, vitamin supplements such as krill oil, fruit and vegetables. Though to truly understand Omega 3’s it’s important to know the direct health benefits.
Health Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
1) Reduces the risk of heart disease
Clinical evidence has shown that by taking omega 3 fatty acids you can lower your chances of heart disease. In both Japan and Greenland the population eats large quantities of fish and has lead them to own the world’s lowest rate of heart disease.
2) Lowers cholesterol
High cholesterol is a danger to your body and can narrow, harden and even block major arteries. In some circumstances this can simply be down to old age, but an unhealthy lifestyle can also contribute. By taking more Omega 3 you can lower the levels of bad cholesterol and improve your physical condition.
3) Fights depression
Around 11 per cent of men and 16 per cent of women suffer from depression in their lives. It not only causes us to lead an unhealthy lifestyle, but it also affects friends and family. Omega 3 can act as a natural ant-depressant and help suffers pull away from the illness, helping them with the kick start they need.
4) Reduces inflammation
Inflammation is crucial for the body’s defense against infection and injury. Despite this, it can also cause discomfort and in certain circumstances needs to be reduced. Omega 3 contains eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) which include anti-inflammatory molecules and reduce swelling.
5) May help reduce bone loss
A study by NASA revealed that by taking omega 3 you may reduce bone loss. Decades of research looked into ways of reducing bone density loss in astronauts, and the introduction of omega 3 could develop results.
6) Improve skin
Krill oil and fish oil supplements contain polyunsaturated fats. These help to fight against dryness and flaking on the skin.
7) Helps weight maintenance
Polyunsaturated fats are ‘good’ fats and essential for losing weight. They help regulate major body functions, including insulin levels, which leads directly to the storage of fat. With a good intake of omega 3 the chances are that more fat will be used for energy.
8) Increases positive behaviour in children
Research has suggested that taking fish oils during pregnancy can increase a child’s future brain power. A low intake of crucial nutrients also leads to an increase in problems, including a child’s inability to make friends.
9) Assists with eye health
By taking omega 3 you will lower the risk of macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. In addition, fatty acids can also help with high eye pressure and glaucoma.
10) Contributes to the fight against cancer
An omega 3 fatty acid, docosahexanoic, can reduce the size of tumors and contribute to the positive effects of chemotherapy. This fatty acid is vital for both neurological and cellular developments.
11) Helps with arthritis
Omega 3, found in fish oil, has been proven to helping with arthritis. There may be no precise cure, but by taking omega 3 you can lower the levels of pain and suffering caused.
12) Lowers blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force applied to artery walls and can cause heart attacks and death. By taking omega 3 from a wide number of sources you can lower the risk and improve health.
13) Reduces PMS symptoms
A study by the University of Montreal showed that a lack of Omega 3 caused a rise in the severity of PMS symptoms. By using supplements such as krill oil, you can reduce the discomfort and intake of pain relief medication.
14) Improves energy levels and concentration
Omega 3s, particularly DHA and EPA, can improve cognitive function. Simply put, you can concentrate for longer and improve your work load.
15) Anti-Aging
With all its health benefits it’s no wonder that omega 3 can help with anti-aging. It can make you feel younger, as well as helping the skin to improve the body image.
Omega 3s have a wide number of health benefits in almost every aspect of the body. But the advantages to taking supplements and eating right don’t stop there. By improving your health you will feel more inclined to exercise and continue with your lifestyle. Omega 3 benefits are just the start to a healthier you, the next step is looking for more nutrients in other foods and supplements.
