Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for good health, but since our bodies can't make them, we need to get them through food. Some foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, fish, and other seafood.Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids.
Omega-3s have a number of health benefits. Omega-3s are thought to play an important role in reducing inflammation throughout the body -- in the blood vessels, the joints, and elsewhere. Reducing inflammation may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer's. Reducing inflammation can also increase immune system efficiency.
According to a number of studies, fish oil supplements can also cut elevated triglyceride levels. Having high levels of this blood fat is a risk factor for heart disease. DHA alone has also been shown to lower triglycerides.
Omega-3 fatty acids appear to lower the overall risk of death from heart disease. Fish oil may reduce arrhythmias, and people who take fish oil supplements after a heart attack cut their risk of having another heart attack. Eating fish once or twice a week seems to significantly lower the risk of stroke.
Omega-3 can also make you feel happier! Omega-3s play an important role in helping cells better communicate with each other. As a result feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can move between cells more easily which leads to an overall better mood. In fact, research has shown that eating foods with high levels of omega-3s may lower your chance of depression.
Studies show that supplementation during pregnancy boost the health of pregnant women and the development of their children. DHA appears to be important for visual and neurological development in infants.
