Why Omega-3

Good for your

heart, brain and more

Why do we need Omega-3?

It has long been established that Omega-3 is necessary for our well-being, promoting good brain, adrenal, nerve and sexual health.

High levels of Omega-3 in our diets have been linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease, colon cancer, depression, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s. Studies have also linked Omega-3 to improved immune functioning and mood stabilization, suppression of ADHD, better eye health, reduced muscle degeneration and better sleep patterns.

Omega-3 deficiency, on the other hand, can lead to growth retardation, impaired vision, poor motor coordination, tingling in the arms and legs, behavioral changes, high blood pressure and dry skin.

Omega-3 is clearly very good for the human body – and an important part of a healthy diet. And yet, for many of us, we simply do not get enough.

One of the Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 is an Essential Fatty Acid, a term coined in the 1920s by George and Mildred Burr. From their work, we know that two Essential Fatty Acids cannot be synthesized by the human body: Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and Omega-6 (linoleic acid).

These two Essential Fatty Acids must be accessed through our diet. Unfortunately, modern farming techniques and a 21^stcentury diet high in vegetable fats have vastly reduced our consumption of Omega-3 in recent decades, while boosting our intake of Omega-6. Both are essential for good health. However, a higher presence of Omega-6 increases inflammation in the body, and many scientists believe this plays a role in the modern pandemic of chronic diseases, such as heart disease.

This has made supplementation crucial. Wild fish oils, such as salmon and mackerel, are widely regarded as the best sources of Omega-3, as these oils are naturally rich in an Omega-3 that is easy for our bodies to absorb.

Better health

There are many research studies confirming the health benefits of Omega-3. Here are just a few of the acknowledged health benefits:

Lowers levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol in the blood while raising levels of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol
A powerful anti-inflammatory, it is helpful for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, asthma, psoriasis and heart health
Helps to reduce high blood pressure
Reduces joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Improves brain functioning, reducing the risk of depression or age-related decline, such as Alzheimer’s
Aids in weight loss because Omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to be stored than unhealthy fats
Reduces pain caused by menstrual cramps

How Omega-3 fights heart disease

Omega-3 fatty acids curb inflammation in the blood vessels (and the rest of the body). At high doses, they make abnormal heart rhythms less likely, lower the level of blood fats and can slow plaque build-up inside the blood vessels.

The American Heart Association recommends 1g a day of Omega-3 fats for people with heart disease. Studies show fewer heart disease deaths among heart attack survivors who boosted their levels of Omega-3.