Health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids that many people don’t know
As we all know, Omega-3 fatty acids are a class of nutrients that are essential to human health.
However, many people do not fully understand its effects.
Omega-3 fatty acids not only improve brain and heart health, but they can also help relieve inflammation and even prevent a variety of chronic diseases.
Authoritative research shows that the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are ubiquitous.
Next, we will analyze in detail 17 scientifically proven specific benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and tell you how to properly consume them through diet or supplements to improve your overall health!
1. Helps relieve depression and anxiety
Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders worldwide, and its symptoms include low mood, fatigue, and loss of interest in life.
At the same time, anxiety disorder has fear and anxiety as its main symptoms.
Studies have found that people who regularly consume omega-3s have a lower risk of depression and anxiety.
Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can also effectively improve symptoms of depression, especially EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which has the most significant effect.
If you are chronically depressed or stressed, consider taking more Omega-3 through food or supplements!
2. Improve vision and protect eye health
DHA ( docosahexaenoic acid ) is an important component of Omega-3 and one of the main structural components of the retina of the eye.
If the body lacks DHA, it may cause vision problems or even vision degeneration.
What’s more, studies show that adequate intake of omega-3s may reduce the risk of macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
Eating more deep-sea fish rich in Omega-3, or choosing fish oil supplements from regular sources, can help protect your eyesight.
3. Promote fetal brain development and add points to the child’s future
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the brain and vision development of the fetus.
Getting enough Omega-3 during pregnancy can help your baby perform better in language skills, social skills, and cognitive abilities.
Studies have shown that omega-3 intake is strongly associated with fewer behavioral problems and a reduced risk of developmental delays in children.
Expectant mothers can consider increasing their intake of foods rich in Omega-3, such as fish.
4. Improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease
Decades ago, scientists discovered that coastal populations whose main food source was fish had a very low incidence of heart disease, which was closely related to their large intake of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Benefits of Omega-3 include:
Lower triglyceride levels and reduce dyslipidemia;
Raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol;
Reduce platelet aggregation and prevent thrombosis;
Relieve inflammatory response and protect cardiovascular health.
Still, there is no conclusive evidence that omega-3 supplements can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
5. Relieve symptoms of ADHD in children
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral problem characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Studies have shown that children with ADHD have lower levels of omega-3 in their blood.
Omega-3 supplements can improve these children’s concentration and reduce their impulsiveness, irritability and hyperactivity.
Although some research results are inconsistent, parents may try to improve it through diet.
6. Improve metabolic syndrome and stay away from “invisible killers”
Metabolic syndrome is a general term for a series of health problems, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, etc.
It is a major contributing factor to many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can lower blood sugar levels, relieve inflammation, and improve multiple metabolism-related markers.
7. Effective anti-inflammatory, reducing the risk of chronic diseases
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection and injury, but chronic inflammation can lead to diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce the production of pro-inflammatory substances and are natural “anti-inflammatory agents”.
It is particularly suitable for people who have health problems caused by chronic inflammation.
8. Helps relieve autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease , cause the immune system to attack its own tissues.
Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of these diseases, especially during childhood, by reducing inflammation.
9. Improve mental health and relieve mental disorders
Several studies have shown that people with mental disorders have lower levels of omega-3 in their blood.
Omega-3 supplementation can help improve some symptoms of diseases such as mania and schizophrenia, but related research needs further exploration.
10. May prevent Alzheimer’s disease and slow down brain aging
As we age, many people face the problem of brain function decline .
Higher omega-3 intake is associated with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Nevertheless, more evidence is still needed to verify this.
11. May Reduce Cancer Risk
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Some studies suggest that consuming omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of colon, prostate, and breast cancer.
12. Relieve asthma symptoms in children
Asthma is a common chronic disease and severe attacks can be life-threatening.
Several studies have found that omega-3 intake can reduce the incidence of asthma in children.
13. Improve fatty liver and protect liver health
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is an invisible killer of liver health, affecting approximately 25% of the world’s population.
Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce liver fat accumulation and inflammatory response, thereby helping to improve fatty liver.
14. Improve bone and joint health
Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids may enhance bone density by promoting calcium absorption.
At the same time, it can effectively relieve arthritis symptoms such as pain and stiffness.
15. Relieve menstrual pain
Dysmenorrhea affects the quality of life of many women.
One study found that omega-3 supplements were even more effective than ibuprofen.
Female friends may wish to try using Omega-3 to relieve menstrual discomfort.
16. Improve sleep quality
Good sleep is the cornerstone of health.
Studies have shown that Omega-3 deficiency may be associated with insomnia and sleep disorders, while DHA supplementation can help improve sleep quality.
17. Protect skin health and delay aging
DHA in Omega-3 is an important component of skin cell membranes, while EPA can help lock in skin moisture and prevent dryness and premature aging.
Additionally, it helps protect against the sun, but it is not a complete replacement for sunscreen.
Summarize
Omega-3 fatty acids play multiple roles in human health, and everyone from your brain to your heart to your skin can benefit from them.
It is recommended to eat fish rich in Omega-3, such as salmon, sardines, etc., at least twice a week, or choose high-quality fish oil supplements to make up for the deficiencies in the diet.