The health benefits of Omega 3 fatty acidsIf you aren't taking it now, you soon will be. The overwhelming evidence that Omega 3 is beneficial in almost every aspect of human health has been quickly propelling this essential fatty acid into public awareness over the past 25 years. Studies on the dietary habits of the Indian Inuits in the early 1980's lead to the discovery of this amazing, essential fat, when it was noted that their diet consisted mainly of marine and fish wildlife. Discover more about what omega 3 fatty acids are. Heart desease and cholesterolResearch has shown a strong correlation between the daily intake of Omega 3 and a decreased risk of cardiovascular desease and stroke. In fact, there are several large-scale observational studies showing the decreased risk of heart attack with higher Omega 3 consumption. It has also been shown that this fatty acid helps lower cholesterol levels, and increases HDL cholesterol (this is the good kind!), which directly impacts the functioning of the heart. Considering the benefits of fish oil on the heart, it's not surprising that the percentage of heart attacks and strokes among the Greenland Inuits approaches zero, considering their diet high in fish which contains large amounts of Omega 3. DepressionStudies at Harvard University have discovered that a deficiency in Omega 3 fat in the brain can be linked to depression, specifically manic and bipolar depression. Depression is sometimes known to be treated with large doses of Omega 3 capsules (6-10 per day) for short periods. (Please not that this is not recommended for daily use as large dosages of Omega 3 has been known to thin the blood.) Weight LossIt has been shown that taking Omega 3 daily helps burn calories faster. The reason that fish oil has such powerful effects on fat metabolism is that it reduces insulin in the body, which in turn reduces the activity of enzymes in the body that are known to increase fat storage. Memory and mental healthIt is now believed, after much study, that a daily intake of Omega 3, along with a healthy exercise plan, actually help boost brain activity and memory. Omega 3 fats reduce the inflammation of cells which trigger declines in memory lossm thus helping improve memory and cognition. Benefits of Omega 3 during pregnancyPregnant mothers should eat foods high in Omega 3, or take fish oil supplements, because the development of their children's brain at this period is very important. It has been shown in studies that infants who received Omega 3 were born with more mature systems, and scored an average of twelve points higher on IQ tests. Omega 3 not only affects the infant positively but the pregnant mother as well! During pregnance Omega 3 is passed from mother to fetus, resulting in a severe deficiency in Omega 3, and often leading to depression. Studies have shown a direct correlation between these Omega 3 deficiencies and postpartum depression. Omega 3 fatty acids help fight diseaseIn addition to to benefits we can all immediately enjoy by consuming these fatty acids, Omega 3 has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of deseases such as:
Excess levels of Omega 6 has been linked with the inability of the body to fight these deseases. As a result, Omega 3 is used in the long-term treatment of these illnesses, as it facilitates a balance between Omega 3 and Omega 6, increasing the chance of full recovery. |