Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. These acids cannot be made by the body and must be accumulated from food. It is found in things such as fish and nut oils. These Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to the body in several ways.
Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids help lower triglycerides and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. They also act as a slight anticoagulant to prevent blood clots. There are studies that also prove they help lower high blood pressure.
Omega-3 fatty acids may also protect against the build of a body protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Studies had encouraging results, DHA is the omega fatty acid found to do this. It offers breast cancer protection; women with high intakes of omega-3 fatty acids have a 50% lower chance of getting breast cancer. Studies have shown that it improves infertility as fish oil balances hormones and increases blood flow to the uterus. It also reduces PMS symptoms. Omega-3s also offer protection against osteoporosis, minimizes menopausal problems, and lessens postpartum depression.
Fish oil is essential to a healthy pregnancy diet.Omega-3 fatty acids help placental blood flow so there is an efficient exchange of nutrients and oxygen between mom and baby. Chances of preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) are also reduced as it helps maintain healthy blood pressure and lower the danger of premature birth. A baby’s brain development has also been show to be especially dependent on omega 3 fish oil. It also improves motor skills and eyesight.
Omega-3’s help in diabetes and with weight loss by helping to maintain control over blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Clinical research also suggests that they may help with asthma by decreasing inflammation and improving lung function. Studies are being done to see if omega-3 fatty acids my reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Again, it does this by decreasing the inflammation, but it can have side effects such as belching, bloating, diarrhea and flatulence.