Omega 3 is a gift from nature. The essential type of fatty acid nourishes the whole body throughout the life. Without it, our body systems just don’t work quite as well. So what is omega 3 and why we need it? Read on for more omega 3 benefits.
About Omega 3
Most people are aware of the facts that omega 3s found in fish oil has numerous benefits. It may help with a range of medical conditions. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acid. It is essential because our body can’t make it on own, we can only get it through food. The different type of fatty acids belongs to the class of Omega 3, but the most commonly heard are EPA, DHA, and ALA. All the three types that you hear about most often are the most useful to us.
Foods containing Omega 3
The EPA and DHA type of omega 3s are found exclusively in fish and seafood. The best sources of omega 3 fatty acids are oily fish such as mackerel and sardines. A good quality Omega 3 supplement contains high levels of both DHA and EPA and has important benefits for the body. On the other hand, AlA, the other main type of Omega 3 is found in flaxseed, nuts, and vegetable oils. When it comes to ALA, the body must work to convert ALA to EPA and DHA to make use of it. But our body can only convert in small amounts. Despite being one of the most common Omega fatty acids, only 5% of the ALA we eat get converted into EPA and as little as 0.5% gets converted into DHA. The rest either use it for energy or it gets stored as fat. This is the reason why we do not consider the ALA we get from nuts as the sole source of Omega 3s. Eating fish is the best way to get a sufficient amount of Omega 3.
Benefits of Omega 3
- Protects your heart
According to the research studies, Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish may help reduce heart-related complications. Fish oil is associated with the reduced risk of triglycerides and helps prevent hardening of the arteries by slowing down the formation of plaque as well as blood clots. Regular consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids protects against stroke, studies suggest.
- Reduces blood Cholesterol levels
Fish oils are considered the best foods to lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. The omega 3s helps reduce triglyceride levels, which results in higher levels of good cholesterol. When there is an insufficient fish intake, fish oil supplements like Omega 3 forte can do the trick. Eating fish like canned tuna or salmon two to three times a week can have a positive impact on one’s blood cholesterol levels.
- Beneficial for bone health
Fish oil may also help your bones. Fish oils found to have positive effects on the bone health of animals in a research study. According to the study, the essential fatty acids appeared to increase the aunt of calcium the body absorbs as well decrease the amount of calcium lost in urine. This is beneficial for bone strength and growth.
- Helps ease menstrual pain
Fish oil capsules have found to reduce menstrual pain experienced by women. But always talk to your healthcare specialist before taking fish oil supplements.
- Treats mental illness
Fatty acids are essential for healthy brain functions. In clinical studies, they were found to have a positive effect on people with primary depression. In addition to regular medication, people who took fish oil supplements like Omega 3 forte were found to have fewer mood swings. But researchers are still working to identify the effectiveness of fish oil supplements to treat a range of mental disorders.
