Top 20 Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There are several benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for your well-being. It is one of the incredible nutrients required by your body. It helps in brain functions and metabolism.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are essential for your body; however, the body cannot produce it.

Nevertheless, a good number of people who eat commercially processed food do not consume enough omega-3 fatty acids.

This article elaborates on the relevant omega-3 benefits and the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Types of omega 3 fatty acids

There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids.

They include:

  1. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 
  2. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Do not forget that your omega-6 intake may partly influence the amount of omega-3 fatty acids your body may require.

Therefore, reduction in omega-6 may lower the requirement for omega-3 food consumption.

Note: It is essential to eat fatty fish at least twice weekly or to take at least 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily from a recommended supplement.

Omega-3 foods  To Eat

Several foods contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Consuming whole foods is the best, for example of consuming omega-3 fatty acids.

The following are omega-3 foods:

  • Walnuts
  • fatty fish
  • meat
  • Eggs rich in omega-3
  • kidney beans
  • Edamame beans
  • Trout
  • oyster
  • salmon
  • cod liver oil
  • spinach
  • Brussels sprouts
  • hemp seed
  • dairy products
  • anchovies
  • flax seeds
  • soybeans
  • sardines
  • chia seeds.

Here are Omega 3 supplements

The following are omega-3 supplements for better health:

The amount of omega-3 in each of these above supplements depends on the type of supplement and the specific brand.

Therefore, always read the label carefully before using the supplements.

Is it necessary to use an omega-3 supplement?

You may ask yourself if it is necessary to buy omega-3 supplements. Yes, being that there are several benefits of omega 3 fatty acids to your wellbeing.

Consuming fatty fish twice weekly provides optimal omega-3 fats, negating the need for supplements. If fish intake is insufficient, supplements are an option.

Essential omega-3 fatty acids, notably EPA and DHA, are crucial. Not all omega-3 supplements are equal in quality; careful selection is advised for efficacy.

What is the amount of Omega-3 Fatty Acid intake per day?

According to studies, the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids essential for your body should be at a minimum of 250–500 mg each day for healthy adults.

This should contain both of the two types of omega-3 fatty acids. Eat optimal omega-3 fats such as eating fatty fish at least twice per week, then there is no need to use the supplements

 Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Your Body

Intake of Omega-3 fatty acids very important.

It has powerful significance in your body such as fighting depression, minimizing the amount of fat in your liver and reduces blood triglycerides.

It also helps prevent asthma.

            1.  Omega-3 fatty acids help in fighting cancer 

People eating food rich in omega-3 nutrients are likely to minimize the risk of lung, skin, colon, prostate, and breast cancers.

A large number of researchers have revealed the content of this nutrient in your body is very important as it boosts your immune system and helps protect your body against chronic illnesses.

Therefore, it is important to eat fatty fish to help you stay cancer-free

           2.  Omega-3 foods help reduce depression and anxiety

Depression is a very dangerous thing, it can lead to death. Consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce depression as cited in PubMed.

Furthermore, depression is only common in individuals who consume a few contents of omega-3 in their diet.

The fact is that Omega-3 fatty acids can help minimize symptoms of depression and anxiety.

           3. Omega-3 fatty acids  helps reduce fatty liver

Excessive fats in your liver can be reduced by eating omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Excess fatty acids in the liver can cause liver dysfunctions, which can lead to several chronic illnesses including liver cancer, heart disease, and other health complications.

However, Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower the excess fats from your liver. This helps improve your body’s metabolic rate and reduce the risk of cancer and liver diseases.

          4. Omega-3 foods may help to fight asthma

A study shows that Omega-3 fats are the best for battling asthma.

Actually, of late, asthma has been one of the common diseases among children and young adults.

This is caused by the low content of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.  However, the disease is preventable by eating omega-3 fatty acids as reviewed in most studies.

Therefore, to get rid of asthma consider eating of omega-3 in your diet.

           5. Omega-3 fatty acids may minimize inflammation and pain.

Omega-3 supplements, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively alleviate inflammation and symptoms of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Multiple studies support their efficacy. Additionally, omega-3 intake notably reduces menstrual pain in women. Adequate consumption is recommended for combating pain and inflammation effectively.

         6. Omega-3 fatty acids help to get rid of ADHD

Another benefits of omega-3 fatty acids to your well-being is helping you get rid of ADHD.

Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for children with ADHD, are widely recommended and used in treating various chronic conditions.

Their potent compounds can alleviate symptoms and improve overall health. Including fatty fish or omega-3 supplements in a child’s diet can strengthen the immune system and potentially mitigate ADHD symptoms.

         7. During pregnancy, omega-3 foods help in baby development

Numerous studies indicate that consuming fatty fish or omega-3 fish oil supplements aids fetal growth and development. These nutrients safeguard the fetus and foster essential growth.

Fathers should ensure their pregnant partners consume omega-3-rich foods, as recommended by medical experts. Pregnant women should prioritize foods high in DHA.

Additionally, breastfeeding mothers consuming adequate omega-3s enhance their infants’ intelligence and eye health.

        8. Omega-3 fatty acids minimize Dementia

 Another benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is that it helps prevent dementia.

Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids or consuming omega-3 supplements can help in fighting various diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as shown in studies.

If you want to stay healthier and free from several diseases, then eat enough omega-3-rich foods.

Eat omega-3-rich food at least two times a week for better health. Start today.

         9. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood triglycerides

 Intake of sufficient  omega-3 supplements can help you get rid of blood triglycerides.

Studies reveal that consuming omega-3 fatty acids helps lowers the number of blood triglycerides in the bloodstream.

It also suggests that patients with high triglycerides can able to lower their levels and prevent the risk of diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases.

Therefore you need to consume enough fatty acids.

          10. Omega-3  fatty acids help in skin protection

The omega-3 fatty acids help to form the cell membrane and help the body to stay elastic and fresh.

It protects your skin from harmful UV radiation from the sun. Omega-3 also helps in controlling oil production and hydration of your skin.

It prevents hyperkeratinization of hair follicles, which appears as the little red bumps often seen on upper arms.

It also helps slow down unwanted aging of the skin. Furthermore, it helps reduce the risk of acne and other skin diseases.

          11. Boost the enjoyment of sleep

 Low omega-3 fatty acids in the body may affect sleep moods, this may result in sleep deprivation.

In addition, low levels of DHA are also linked to lower levels of the hormone melatonin, which helps you fall asleep.

However, when you supplement with omega-3, you will be able to increase the level of the hormone melatonin enabling you to get your sleep right.

Therefore, you need to consume an adequate amount of fatty acids rich in DHA to help you prevent sleep disorders and get quality sleep.

         12.  Omega-3 fatty acids help Improve Mental Disorders

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the frequency of mood swings and relapses in people with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as shown in PubMed.

It also helps boost your brain memory and helps improve your cognitive skills as shown in elderly people with poor recall.

Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids help prevent most neurological disorders by improving the functionality of the brain nerves, arteries, and other brain structures.

Therefore, you need to eat enough omega-3 for healthy brain functions.

          13. Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce autoimmune diseases

Consuming sufficient omega-3 fatty acids can diminish risks of type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune ailments.

Supported by various studies, incorporating omega-3-rich foods into your diet helps combat these conditions effectively. Awareness of omega-3’s benefits empowers prevention against these severe diseases..

          14. Omega-3 supplements may help reduce metabolic Syndrome

Omega  3 supplements can limit the symptoms of metabolic Syndrome in the body.

The antioxidants present in omega-3 fatty acids can help your immune system to reduce the risk and fight off several metabolic syndromes.

Therefore, consuming an appropriate amount of omega-3 fatty acids is very important for your health.

An individual with metabolic syndrome should eat more omega-3 fatty acids to help them reduce insulin resistance and heart diseases as cited in studies.

            15. Omega-3 fatty acids help minimize high blood pressure

 Supplementing with omega-3  can reduce blood pressure levels in people with high blood pressure.

It increase blood flow, which “in turn” reduces blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

This reduces blood pressure and diabetes risks. As you know that high blood pressure is very disastrous and it is a silent killer disease that can lead to death.

In fact, blood pressure kills millions of people per year globally.

So make sure you consume omega-3 rich food or supplements in case you have blood pressure problems or just to stay high blood pressure-free.

           16. Omega-3 fatty acids help in blood clotting

 Omega-3 supplements can keep blood platelets from clumping together.

In fact, blood clotting, or coagulation, is an important process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured.

Platelets and proteins in your plasma  work together to stop the bleeding by forming a clot over the injury

This helps prevent the formation of harmful blood clots. Therefore ensure you take some omega-3 to avoid complications.

             17. It helps in preventing plaque

Omega-3 fatty acids maintain smooth arteries, preventing plaque buildup that narrows and hardens them, reducing blood flow.

Plaque ruptures can cause blood clots, blocking arteries and depriving tissues of oxygen and nutrients. Omega-3s combat high cholesterol levels, reducing cardiovascular disease risk like heart attacks and strokes, offering a solution.

              18. Omega-3 fatty acids can improve eye health

In fact, Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the major components of the retina and DHA, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that helps in maintaining good eye health and improving eye functions.

People with eye problems are given omega-3 tablets or are advised to eat food rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish to help them improve their eye functions.

Note: There is no discovery on the effect of eating omega-3 fatty acid to prevent heart attacks or strokes. Though, it helps in the reduction of heart disease.

19. Omega-3 fatty acids can prevent erectile dysfunctions

With strong antioxidant properties, omega-3 fatty acids can help boost your testosterone levels, and blood counts and boost your libido.

Actually, eating omega-3 fatty fish is shown to improve sex performance and help prevent premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunctions.

Therefore, eat food rich in omega-3 fatty acids to help improve your sex life.

20. It can help prevent cardiovascular disease

Omega 3  helps improve arteries’ functions and helps in improving blood vessels’ health.

This prevents a wide array of cardiovascular diseases as cited in most studies.

Clinically, omega-3 supplements are used to help patients with cardiovascular illnesses to battle these diseases by boosting their immune systems.