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Omega-3: 9 surprising facts about fatty acids
The human body constantly needs food, nutrients and supplements to maintain its function. They help the body improve its metabolism and performance, prevent some diseases and fight others. The best known and most effective supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, and they are the subject of our discussion today. To learn more about these acids in detail, let’s discover together their impact on a healthy body without suffering from diseases or health disorders.
Interesting facts about omega-3 fatty acids that you absolutely need to know:
But first, what are these fats? What is their role? What are their types? And where can they be found?
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in food and food supplements. They help maintain the proper functioning of the membranes that surround all the cells in the body. There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids:
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
ALA is found in vegetable oils, such as chia seeds, flax seeds and walnuts. DHA and EPA are mainly found in cold-water oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon, herring and sardines.
omega-3 help combat anxiety and depression
Since these two disorders are among the most common mental disorders with symptoms such as sadness, lethargy, worry and nervousness, recent studies have proven that people who regularly consume this nutriment are less likely to be depressed and their symptoms improve. EPA can also function as an antidepressant and appears to be the most effective in fighting mental illness.
omega-3 help improve risk factors for heart disease
People die primarily from heart attacks and strokes, and because fish-eating communities have very low rates of these diseases, this nutrient is highly recommended to combat them. The fatty acids can cause a significant reduction in triglycerides which are a certain type of blood fat, they can also reduce blood pressure levels in people with high blood pressure, they can raise cholesterol levels and prevent blood platelets from clumping together. This helps prevent the formation of harmful blood clots.
Sources of Omega 3 And Healthy Fats omega-3 can fight inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response to infection and damage in the body. Subsequently, it is essential for your well-being. Notably, these fatty acids nutriments can reduce and decrease the production of molecules and substances related to inflammation, such as eicosanoids and inflammatory cytokines. Studies have consistently found a relationship between higher omega-3 intake and reduced inflammation.
omega-3 can fight autoimmune diseases
This nutrient has the ability to fight certain diseases and may be essential early in life. Not only that, enough omega-3 intake in the first year of life is associated with lowering the risk level of many autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
omega-3 may help prevent cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the 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-3 have up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer. In addition, omega-3 consumption is linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women.
omega-3 can help improve your sleep
Studies link sleep deprivation to many diseases, including obesity, diabetes and depression. Low levels of DHA are linked to lower levels of the hormone melatonin, which helps you fall asleep. Studies in people show that omega-3 supplementation increases sleep duration and quality.
omega-3 can treat and heal your skin
Yellow omega-3 pills
DHA is a structural and essential component of your skin. It is responsible for the health of cell membranes, which are a major part of your skin. Because a healthy cell membrane is the reason for soft, moist, supple and wrinkle-free skin. EPA also benefits your skin in several ways, including managing sebum production and hydration of your skin, preventing hyperkeratinization of hair follicles, which appears as small red bumps often seen on the upper arms. Also reduce the premature aging of your skin and reduce the risk of acne. omega-3 can also protect the skin from the sun’s rays. EPA helps block the release of substances that eat away at your skin’s collagen after sun exposure.
omega-3 can support brain health during pregnancy and early life
Being crucial to infant brain growth and development. DHA makes up 40% of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in your brain and 60% of the retina in your eye. As a result, it’s normal for infants fed a DHA-enriched formula to have better vision than infants fed a formula without it. Getting enough omega-3 during pregnancy is associated with many benefits for your child, including higher intelligence, better communication and social skills, fewer behavioral problems, decreased risk of developmental delay, decreased risk of ADHD, autism and cerebral palsy.
omega-3 may reduce ADHD symptoms in children
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a known behavioral disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies show that children with the disorder have lower levels of omega-3 than healthy children. In addition to this, many studies show that these nutriments if used as supplements, they can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. They help as well to improve inattention and task completion.
Giving your body the dose of omega 3 that it needs will always be the best and most perfect decision, giving the benefits and advantages of consuming these fats. If you don’t care about eating fish, you can use omega-3 supplements. One gram a day is recommended for people with heart disease. Ask your doctor before you start.
At the end of this article, we invite you to share with us the facts that surprised you the most and the extent to which you benefit from this nutrient in your daily life
Finally, are you ready to start taking your future favorite supplement?