The Benefits of Omega-3

The Benefits of Omega-3

What are the benefits of Omega-3?

  1. Helps with weight loss
  2. Lessens risk of cardiovascular diseases
  3. Assists with infant development
  4. Improves eyesight
  5. Helps with skincare
  6. Possible cancer prevention
  7. Improves memory and brain function
Omega-3 are fatty acids which cannot be made by the body but easily be found in common foods, drinks, and dietary supplements. Sources of omega-3 include seafood, nuts, seeds, plant oils, and fortified foods. One of the popular dietary supplement containing omega-3 is fish oil. Omega-3 is also a common ingredient in weight loss supplements. In addition to weight loss, omega-3 has several other health benefits for the heart, brain, eyes, skin, and more. Here are some of the health benefits of omega-3 for the body:

Helps with weight loss

Helps With Weight Loss Omega-3 is a key ingredient in weight loss supplements because of scientific evidence that proves its effectiveness. A study found that intake of omega-3 from fish oil combined with regular exercise is successful in decreasing the body fat percentage, resulting in weight loss of overweight or obese patients. Researchers claim that omega-3 boosts the effects of exercise by improving the blood flow to muscles. In the Philippines, some believe that fish oil helps with weight loss by increasing metabolism and reducing appetite. Therefore, incorporating supplements and foods rich in omega-3 into your diet will have a significant effect if you are trying to lose weight.

Lessens risk of cardiovascular diseases

Research has also been conducted on the effect of omega-3 on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure. Multiple studies show that omega-3s do, in fact, reduce the risk of heart disease. One study, in particular, found that regular intake of omega-3 supplements for a year or more successfully reduced the number of both major and non-fatal coronary events (incidents involving coronary artery diseases) in the subjects studied. Omega-3 is known to lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve the function of blood vessels, and ease inflammation. As a result, having fish and seafood as part of your regular diet will help keep your heart healthy and lessen the risk of contracting heart problems.

Assists with infant development

Assists With Infant Development Omega-3 is also an important factor in the development of infants, making it important for women to intake omega-3 during pregnancy. Specifically, omega-3 is essential for the brain growth of infants. Omega-3 decreases the risk of your child having delays in development or acquiring mental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and cerebral palsy. Moreover, DH, a form of omega-3, is an important component of breastmilk. Thus, it is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to consume eight to twelve ounces of fish or seafood a week for the benefit of their baby’s health. Studies have also found that infants fed with DH-fortified formula have been found to have better eyesight than infants who are not.

Improves eyesight

Omega-3 is also an essential component of your eye, specifically the retina. A lack of omega-3 can lead to vision loss and other diseases such as dry eye disease. On the other hand, having sufficient amounts of omega-3 reduces the risk of macular degeneration, one of the major causes of blindness and permanent eye damage. Older adults, in particular, are prone to age-related macular degeneration, making it especially important for older adults to take higher amounts of omega-3.

Helps with skincare

Helps With Skincare Omega-3, specifically DHA, is also an important component of the skin since it keeps cell membranes of skin cells healthy. Benefits of omega-3 for the skin include improved hydration, reduced risk of acne, better management of oil production, and protection from the sun. Additionally, Omega-3 is known to slow down signs of skin aging such as wrinkles.

Possible cancer prevention

While there has yet to be much conclusive evidence of this, many scientists hypothesize that omega-3 may be helpful in reducing the risk of cancer. This is because of the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 as well as its potential to inhibit cell growth. By reducing inflammation in the body, omega-3 fatty acids lessen the risk of having chronic or long-term inflammation which can cause cancer.

Improves memory and brain function

Improves Memory And Brain Function Another possible health benefit of omega-3 is improved memory and brain function. Some studies claim that those who regularly intake omega-3 have fewer chances of age-related mental decline and diseases relating to cognitive function such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, there is a lack of evidence that this is completely true.

Key Takeaway

Omega-3 is essential for maintaining our health and preventing the risk of all kinds of diseases. Luckily, omega-3 rich foods like seafood and dietary supplements can easily be found and incorporated into our diets. It is especially important for older adults to have sufficient amounts of omega-3 in order to lessen the risk of various age-related diseases.