Your body carries some omega-3 naturally in the eye and brain. However, it can manufacture the nutrient on its own. You can fulfill your needs from diet sources – eating fish. People who abhor eating fish or do not consume it regularly might consider taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement. The supplement contains enough doses of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These oils can help deal with various health concerns from head to toe and from general to specific.
How Can Omega-3 Fish Oil Help?
- For Better Mental Health
Mental health is a vital aspect of overall health. How can you overlook mental health in health talks? Research has observed a close two-way relationship between mind and body health. Some researches prove a direct link between high omega-3 levels in the blood and a lower risk of anxiety and depression. It can help prevent several mental health threats and support brain function. Brain aging begins as a result of faulty communication between brain cells.
Let us begin with the most prevalent issue – depression. Apart from psychological factors, a long-term deficiency of omega-3 could lead to depression. Besides, the supplement helps the brain attain a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6. Some studies support including omega-3 with antidepressant therapy. Some women might help with mood changes and psychological symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome.
Other mental health conditions in which omega-3 might help are:
- ADHD
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Impaired cognitive performance
- Taking Omega-3 during Pregnancy
Taking omega-3 during pregnancy paves the path for healthy fetal development. It helps to reduce the chances of asthma in babies. Also, it increases their immunity to fight against allergies. It could lead to a healthy brain and eyes in the coming baby and active memory in school-going children. Despite its remarkable benefits, it is highly advisable to consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
- Helping In Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are common among people from all age groups. The condition causes considerable pain and difficulty in mobility. Omega-3 can help in reducing stiffness and swelling in joints. Other issues where it can help are:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Psoriasis
- Lupus
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
EPA and DHA are the compounds that fight against body inflammation. Inflammation is mostly a consequence of aging that starts way before it should be. Uncontrolled inflammatory body condition leads to several diseases. Against such conditions, omega-3 can act as a strong shield to reverse the changes caused by inflammation.
- Stabilizes Cardiovascular Health
By no means omega-3 can stop heart stroke. However, it can help manage the risk factors responsible for it. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty oils is the best choice for people with cardiovascular issues. Similarly, omega-3 fish oil supplements could remarkably impact high blood pressure and triglyceride levels and could prevent atherosclerosis – a condition leading to the hardening of arteries. Many over-the-counter omega-3 fish oil supplements are available. The rule of thumb applies here again that people with high triglyceride levels should seek their doctor’s device first.
Similarly, the supplement could be helpful in rheumatoid arthritis. There is a high risk of cardiovascular disease in people already suffering from the condition.
- Omega-3 and Bone Health
The American diet is tasty but hostile to your bones due to its high omega-6 fatty acid content. That is why a considerable number of the American population suffers from weak bones and low bone density. Inflammation activates osteoclasts to accelerate bone breakdown. Their overworking speeds up bone breakdown and causes a delay in bone recovery. As a result, your bones get weaker and weaker. No worries! Omega-3 is the savior. EPA and DHA come to the rescue; these oils down inflammatory mechanisms and slows down bone loss.
The interesting thing is that you cannot eliminate omega- completely from your diet. Your body requires a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega- 6 to carry out the process on the right path.
- Healthy Vision
Macular degeneration, an irreversible loss of vision, is affecting millions of people around the globe. The good news is that omega-3 might reduce the possibility of developing macular degeneration. Other vision-related issues where omega-3 could help alleviate the symptoms are:
- High eye pressure
- Glaucoma
- Dry eye syndrome
- Itching, redness, and burning
Finding the Best Product
It is important to note that supplements are not meant to cure any disease. These might help in making the situation better. But their basic role is to contribute toward overall wellness to prevent further complications. Secondly, talk to your health expert if you are struggling with any medical condition or are already using other medications. High doses could cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, and fish burps.
A wide range of omega-3 supplements is available at health stores. How to find the best one? Consider these things.
- Ponder on the product label. Not only check the composition and proportion of the ingredients but also what the manufacturers mention on their products. Are they making high claims as the product guarantees a 100 percent cure to this and that disease? If this is so, never purchase such products.
- Secondly, well-reputed companies always mention everything in the product. What active and secondary ingredients does it contain, including fillers, flavors, and binding agents?
- Thirdly, well-reputable brands offer and guarantee third-party testing to ensure integrity and compliance standards.
- Finally, watch the product itself. If there is something fishy, do not use it. A strong odor or taste is an indication that the oil is becoming rancid or contains excessive artificial flavors.
