Omega 3 fatty acids are known to be healthy for your heart, but they also have other benefits that may surprise you. The most common health benefit of omega-3s is their ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation can cause a wide range of diseases and conditions, and by reducing inflammation with omega-3s, people can lower their risk for these diseases. Here are some of the most surprising health benefits of omega-3s.
Omega 3s Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s normal response to injury or infection. However, when the body is creating constant inflammation, then it’s an indicator that something is wrong. Too much inflammation can cause health problems like asthma, allergies, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory compounds. This helps alleviate many of the symptoms associated with these diseases. Many people take an omega 3 fish oil supplement to help this process.
Omega 3s Help Your Heart Stay Healthy
One of the most important health benefits of omega-3s is their ability to keep your heart healthy. The heart is made up of cells that need a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood flowing through them. When you’re young and healthy, your arteries are able to expand and contract as needed so that blood can flow in and out easily. But if you have too much inflammation, these vessels and cells can swell and interrupt the process. This causes damage to heart cells that can make it difficult to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
Omega 3s May Prevent or Help Treat Cancer
Omega 3s have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to prevent or even treat cancer. Omega 3s are believed to play a role in reducing the risk of many types of cancer. They are believed to turn on genes that activate immune cells and also can inhibit the growth of tumors. In some cases, certain kinds of omega 3s have been found to reduce tumor size as well in lab tests. While more research is needed, it’s evident that a diet filled with healthy omega-3s can reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer.
Omega 3s Keep Your Brain Sharp
Omega 3s are important for brain health. In fact, they affect the brain in multiple ways and can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and improve mood. Since many brain diseases are associated with inflammation, it’s evident why consuming omega 3s can help your brain health. Omega 3s may also help to reduce symptoms of depression by increasing serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been linked with feelings of happiness and well-being. It also improves sleep patterns, helping people rest easier at night.
Omega 3s Increase the Chance of a Healthy Pregnancy
Omega 3s are essential fatty acids that can’t be made by the body. They’re important for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system, as well as eyes and bones. Omega 3s can help support healthy pregnancies by increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy and decreasing the risk of preterm labor. Omega 3s are also linked to better birth weights and reduce risk of preeclampsia.
Omega 3s Are Linked to Healthy Bones
Everyone knows about calcium for good bone health. But did you know that omega-3 fatty acids are known to help keep your bones strong and healthy? Research suggests that eating more omega-3s may help prevent osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones become weak and brittle. It’s thought that omega-3s can reduce inflammation in the body, which can slow down bone loss. Osteoarthritis (OA) is another condition linked with low levels of EPA and DHA. By adding supplements, people may experience fewer symptoms like stiffness, swelling, and tenderness.
Omega 3s Can Improve Mental Health
Omega 3s may help with depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD in children. Omega 3s are important for brain development, mood regulation, and more. Some evidence suggests that omega 3s may help with depression and bipolar disorder symptoms in children and adults because of how they impact brain inflammation. When inflammation is reduced, people experience more positive mental health benefits.
Conclusion
Overall, omega-3s are a very important part of your diet. They can help keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of cancer and mental health problems, among many other benefits. You can eat more fish or take a quality supplement if needed.
