Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important. Here are 17 health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids that are
supported by science.
1. Omega-3s Can Fight Depression and Anxiety
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world.
Interestingly, studies indicate that people who consume omega-3s regularly are less likely to be depressed
Omega-3 supplements may help prevent and
treat depression and anxiety. EPA seems to be the most effective at fighting
depression.
2. Omega-3s Can Improve Eye Health
DHA, a type of omega-3, is a major structural component of the retina of your eye
An omega-3 fatty acid called DHA is a major
structural component of your eyes’ retinas. It may help prevent macular
degeneration, which can cause vision impairment and blindness.
3. Omega-3s Can Promote Brain Health During Pregnancy and Early Life
Getting enough omega-3s during pregnancy and
early life is crucial for your child’s development. Supplementing is linked to
higher intelligence and a lower risk of several diseases.
4. Omega-3s Can Improve Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Heart attacks and strokes are the world’s leading causes of death
Omega-3s improve numerous heart disease risk
factors. However, omega-3 supplements do not seem to reduce your risk of heart
attacks or strokes.
5. Omega-3s Can Reduce Symptoms of ADHD in Children
Omega-3 supplements can reduce the symptoms
of ADHD in children. They improve attention and reduce hyperactivity,
impulsiveness and aggression.
6. Omega-3s Can Reduce Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions.
It includes central obesity — also known as belly fat — as well as high blood pressure, insulin resistance,
high triglycerides and low “good” HDL cholesterol levels.
Omega-3s can have numerous benefits for people
with metabolic syndrome. They can reduce insulin resistance, fight inflammation
and improve several heart disease risk factors.
7. Omega-3s Can Fight Inflammation
Omega-3s can reduce chronic inflammation, which can contribute to heart disease, cancer and various
other diseases.
8. Omega-3s Can Fight Autoimmune Diseases
Omega-3 fatty acids can help fight several
autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis,
ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis.
9. Omega-3s Can Improve Mental Disorders
People with mental disorders often have low blood levels of omega-3 fats. Improving omega-3 status seems
to improve
symptoms.
10. Omega-3s Can Fight Age-Related Mental Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease
Omega-3 fats may help prevent age-related
mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease, but more research is needed.
11. Omega-3s May Help Prevent Cancer
Omega-3 intake may decrease the risk of some
types of cancer, including colon, prostate and breast cancer.
12. Omega-3s Can Reduce Asthma in Children
Omega-3 intake has been associated with a lower
risk of asthma in both children and young adults.
13. Omega-3s Can Reduce Fat in Your Liver
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce liver fat in people
with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
14. Omega-3s May Improve Bone and Joint Health
Omega-3s may improve bone strength and joint health, potentially reducing your risk of osteoporosis and
arthritis.
15. Omega-3s Can Alleviate Menstrual Pain
Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce menstrual pain
and may even be more effective than ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug.
16. Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Improve Sleep
Omega-3 fatty acids — especially DHA — may improve the length and quality of your sleep.
17. Omega-3 Fats Are Good For Your Skin
Omega-3s can help keep your skin healthy,
preventing premature aging and safeguarding against sun damage.
The Bottom Line
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for optimal health.
Getting them from whole foods — such as fatty fish two times per week — is the best way to ensure
robust omega-3 intake.
However, if you don’t eat a lot of fatty fish, then you may want to consider taking an omega-3 supplement.
For people deficient in omega-3, this is a cheap and highly effective way to improve health.