Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important for your health. They have been linked to many health benefits, ranging from reducing inflammation to protecting against chronic conditions and much more. It can be difficult to consume enough of this vital nutrient through food alone, so many people benefit from taking omega-3 supplements. Here are some of the biggest reasons to take omega-3 supplements and how they can positively affect your health and well-being.
1. Heart Health
One of the most well-known reasons to take omega-3 supplements is to support heart health. A lot of research has suggested that omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to strong, healthy hearts. Taking omega-3 supplements may help improve risk factors for heart disease, such as raising HDL cholesterol, lowering levels of triglycerides, reducing inflammation, and preventing blood clots. Omega-3s may also effectively regulate blood pressure to further promote a healthy heart.
2. Brain Health
The brain is a complicated system that requires proper nourishment for optimal function. Some of the nutrients that it needs are omega-3 fatty acids. According to scientific research, omega-3s may help boost cognitive function. One study found that adults who had not yet developed Alzheimer’s disease and who took omega-3 supplements experienced significantly less cognitive decline and brain shrinkage than those who did not take these supplements. The benefits may extend to memory retention and the capacity to gain new knowledge.
3. Mood Improvement
Depression is more common in countries where the average diet does not contain a lot of omega-3s. These nutrients are essential for the growth and function of the central nervous system. Studies suggest that a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Research indicates that people who regularly consume omega-3s or take omega-3 supplements are less likely to have depression and may have improved symptoms of depression and anxiety.
4. Arthritis & Joint Health
Your joints play a vital role in your ability to move your body. Arthritis is a common disorder that affects the joints. Research suggests that taking omega-3 supplements may help strengthen the skeletal system by boosting the amount of calcium in your bones. It is also thought that omega-3s may be helpful in treating arthritis symptoms. One study found that omega-3 supplements were able to significantly reduce pain in individuals with osteoarthritis of the synovial joints.
5. Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and infection. It is a critical tool of the immune system to keep you healthy. However, persistent inflammation, called chronic inflammation, can contribute to most chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Omega-3s can reduce the production of certain molecules and compounds that are linked to inflammation. Studies have consistently shown a connection between omega-3 supplementation and reduced inflammation.
6. Eye Health
Taking omega-3 supplements may help improve and protect your eyesight. A type of omega-3 called DHA is a primary structural component of the eye’s retina. If you don’t get enough DHA, you may experience vision problems. A link has also been found between sufficient omega-3 intake and a reduced risk of macular degeneration, which is one of the major causes of permanent eye damage and blindness.
7. Skin & Hair Benefits
DHA is also an important structural component of the skin. It supports the health of cell membranes, which make up a large portion of your skin. EPA is another omega-3 that can benefit the skin by promoting skin hydration, protecting against premature aging, reducing the risk of acne, and preventing hyperkeratinization of hair follicles. A few studies have even suggested that omega-3s may help protect your skin against sun damage.
8. Liver Health
The liver is the primary fat-processing organ in the body, and it plays an important role in weight gain. A common liver condition is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by the accumulation of fat in this organ. This condition is considered the leading cause of other liver conditions, such as cirrhosis. Research suggests that taking omega-3 supplements may help to reduce liver fat and inflammation and to enhance liver function in individuals who have NAFLD.
9. Fertility & Pregnancy
Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help enhance fertility for both men and women. DHA plays an important role in sperm health and motility, improving fertility in men. For women, taking omega-3 supplements may support fertility by balancing hormones, reducing inflammation, and regulating cycles. It’s also thought that omega-3s may help relieve infertility-causing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In pregnant and breastfeeding women, omega-3s are also very beneficial in supporting healthy infant brain development and immune function as well as reducing the risk of premature delivery and postpartum depression.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of omega-3 supplementation or have questions about your health conditions, please reach out to us at Midtown Express Pharmacy and our knowledgeable pharmacy team will be happy to help you in any way we can!
