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17 Proven Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Better Sleep, Eyes, Mood

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17 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

By Freydis Hjalmarsdottir, MS (Master of Science in Human Nutrition) – Courtesy of Authority Nutrition

benefits of omega 3 fatty acids

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This article is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, as well as Joints and More, providing joint relief, better hair and nails, and more energy.

Note: Omega-3 fatty acids are most often found in fish like salmon and halibut, in fish oil supplements, in nuts like almonds and walnuts, and in flaxseed oil.
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Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important.

They can have all sorts of powerful health benefits for your body and brain.

In fact, few nutrients have been studied as thoroughly as omega-3 fatty acids.

Here are 17 health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids that are supported by science.

1. Omega-3s Can Fight Depression and Anxiety

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world.

Symptoms include sadness, lethargy and a general loss of interest in life.

Anxiety is also a very common disorder, and is characterized by constant worry and nervousness.

Interestingly, studies have found that people who consume omega-3s regularly are less likely to be depressed.

What’s more, when people with depression or anxiety start taking omega-3 supplements, their symptoms get better.

There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: ALA, EPA and DHA. Of the three, EPA appears to be the best at fighting depression.

One study even found EPA to be as effective against depression as Prozac, an antidepressant drug.

Bottom Line: Omega-3 supplements may help prevent and treat depression and anxiety. EPA seems to be the most effective at fighting depression.

2. Omega-3s Can Improve Eye Health

DHA, a type of omega-3, is a major structural component of the brain and retina of the eye.

When you don’t get enough DHA, vision problems may arise.

Interestingly, getting enough omega-3 has been linked to a reduced risk of macular degeneration, one of the world’s leading causes of permanent eye damage and blindness.

Bottom Line: An omega-3 fatty acid called DHA is a major structural component of the retina of the eye. It may help prevent macular degeneration, which can cause vision impairment and blindness.

3. Omega-3s Can Promote Brain Health During Pregnancy and Early Life

Omega-3s are crucial for brain growth and development in infants.

DHA accounts for 40% of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain, and 60% in the retina of the eye. (Polyunsaturated fats are found in animals and vegetables and include nuts, seeds, fish, algae and leafy greens).

Therefore, it’s no surprise that infants fed a DHA-fortified formula have better eyesight than infants fed a formula without it.

Getting enough omega-3s during pregnancy has been associated with numerous benefits for the child, including:

  • Higher intelligence.
  • Better communication and social skills.
  • Less behavioral problems.
  • Decreased risk of developmental delay.
  • Decreased risk of ADHD, autism and cerebral palsy.

Bottom Line: Getting enough omega-3s during pregnancy and early life is crucial for the development of the child. Deficiency is linked to low intelligence, poor eyesight and an increased risk of several health problems.

4. Omega-3s Can Improve Risk Factors For Heart Disease

Heart attacks and strokes are the world’s leading causes of death.

Decades ago, researchers observed that fish-eating communities had very low rates of these diseases. This was later found to be partially due to omega-3 consumption.

Since then, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have numerous benefits for heart health.

These include:

  • Triglycerides (fats): Omega-3s can cause a major reduction in triglycerides, usually in the range of 15–30%.
  • Blood pressure: Omega-3s can reduce blood pressure levels in people with high blood pressure.
  • HDL-cholesterol: Omega-3s can raise HDL (the “good”) cholesterol levels.
  • Blood clots: Omega-3s can keep blood platelets from clumping together. This helps prevent the formation of harmful blood clots.
  • Plaque: By keeping the arteries smooth and free from damage, omega-3s help prevent the plaque that can restrict and harden the arteries.
  • Inflammation: Omega-3s reduce the production of some substances released during the inflammatory response.

For some people, omega-3s can also lower LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol. However, the evidence is mixed and some studies actually find increases in LDL.

Interestingly, despite all these beneficial effects on heart disease risk factors, there is no convincing evidence that omega-3 supplements can prevent heart attacks or strokes. Many studies find no benefit.

Bottom Line: Omega-3s have been found to improve numerous heart disease risk factors. However, omega-3 supplements do not reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

5. Omega-3s Can Reduce Symptoms of ADHD in Children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Several studies have found that children with ADHD have lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, compared to their healthy peers.

What’s more, numerous studies have found that omega-3 supplements can actually reduce the symptoms of ADHD.

Omega-3s help improve inattention and the ability to complete tasks. They also decrease hyperactivity, impulsiveness, restlessness and aggression.

Recently, researchers evaluated the evidence behind different treatments for ADHD. They found fish oil supplementation to be one of the most promising treatments.

Bottom Line: Omega-3 supplements can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in children. They improve attention and reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness and aggression, to name a few.

6. Omega-3s Can Reduce Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome

 

Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions.

It includes central obesity (belly fat), high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high triglycerides and low HDL levels.

It is a major public health concern, since it increases your risk of developing many other diseases. These include heart disease and diabetes.

Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce insulin resistance and inflammation, and improve heart disease risk factors in people with metabolic syndrome.

Bottom Line: Omega-3s can have numerous benefits for people with metabolic syndrome. They can reduce insulin resistance, fight inflammation and improve several heart disease risk factors.

7. Omega-3s Can Fight Inflammation

Inflammation is incredibly important. We need it to fight infections and repair damage in the body.

However, sometimes inflammation persists for a long time, even without an infection or injury being present. This is called chronic (long-term) inflammation.

It is known that long-term inflammation can contribute to almost every chronic Western disease, including heart disease and cancer.

Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the production of molecules and substances linked to inflammation such as inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines (these are hormone-like molecules that assist with healthy cellular activity).

Studies have consistently shown a link between higher omega-3 intake and reduced inflammation

Bottom Line: Omega-3s can reduce chronic inflammation, which can contribute to heart disease, cancer and various other diseases.

8. Omega-3s Can Fight Autoimmune Diseases

 

In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign cells and starts attacking them.

Type 1 diabetes is one prime example. In this disease, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Omega-3s can help fight some of these diseases, and may be especially important during early life.

Studies show that getting enough omega-3s during your first year of life is linked to a reduced risk of many autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diabetes in adults and multiple sclerosis.

Omega-3s have also been shown to help treat lupus (skin inflammation), rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis.

Bottom Line: Omega-3 fatty acids can help fight several autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis.

9. Omega-3s Can Improve Mental Disorders

Low omega-3 levels have been reported in people with psychiatric disorders.

Studies have shown that omega-3 supplements can reduce the frequency of mood swings and relapses in people with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may also decrease violent behavior.

Bottom Line: People with mental disorders often have low blood levels of omega-3 fats. Improving omega-3 status seems to improve symptoms.

10. Omega-3s Can Fight Age-Related Mental Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease

 

A decline in brain function is one of the unavoidable consequences of aging.

Several studies have shown that higher omega-3 intake is linked to decreased age-related mental decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, one study found that people who eat fatty fish tend to have more gray matter in the brain. This is brain tissue that processes information, memories and emotions.

Bottom Line: Omega-3 fats may help prevent age-related mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease, but more research is needed.

11. Omega-3s May Help Prevent Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the Western world, and omega-3 fatty acids have long been claimed to reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Interestingly, studies have shown that people who consume the most omega-3s have up to a 55% lower risk of colon cancer.

Additionally, omega-3 consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. However, not all studies agree on this.

Bottom Line: Omega-3 intake may decrease the risk of some types of cancer, including colon, prostate and breast cancer.

12. Omega-3s Can Reduce Asthma in Children

 

Asthma is a chronic lung disease with symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.

Severe asthma attacks can be very dangerous. They are caused by inflammation and swelling in the airways of the lungs.

What’s more, asthma rates have been increasing over the past few decades.

Several studies have linked omega-3 consumption to a lower risk of asthma in children and young adults.

Bottom Line: Omega-3 intake has been associated with a lower risk of asthma in both children and young adults.

13. Omega-3s Can Reduce Fat in The Liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more common than you think.

It has increased with the obesity epidemic, and is now the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world.

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce liver fat and inflammation in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Bottom Line: Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce liver fat in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

14. Omega-3s May Improve Bone and Joint Health

 

Osteoporosis and arthritis are two common disorders that affect the skeletal system.

Studies indicate that omega-3s can improve bone strength by increasing the amount of calcium in bones. This should lead to a reduced risk of osteoporosis.

Omega-3s may also help with arthritis. Patients taking omega-3 supplements have reported reduced joint pain and increased grip strength.

Bottom Line: Omega-3s can improve bone strength and joint health. This may lead to a reduced risk of osteoporosis and arthritis.

15. Omega-3s Can Alleviate Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain occurs in the lower abdomen and pelvis, and often radiates to the lower back and thighs.

It can result in significant negative effects on a person’s quality of life.

However, studies have repeatedly shown that women who consume the most omega-3s have milder menstrual pain.

One study even found that an omega-3 supplement was more effective than ibuprofen in treating severe pain during menstruation.

Bottom Line: Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce menstrual pain. One study even found that an omega-3 supplement was more effective than ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug.

16. Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Improve Sleep

Good sleep is one of the foundations of optimal health.

Studies show that sleep deprivation is linked to many diseases, including obesity, diabetes and depressio.

Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with sleep problems in children and obstructive sleep apnea in adults.

Low levels of DHA have also been linked to lower levels of the hormone melatonin, which helps you fall asleep.

Studies in both children and adults have shown that supplementing with omega-3 increases the length and quality of sleep.

Bottom Line: Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, may improve the length and quality of sleep in children and adults.

17. Omega-3 Fats Are Good For Your Skin

DHA is a structural component of the skin. It is responsible for the health of cell membranes, which make up a large part of skin.

A healthy cell membrane results in soft, moist, supple and wrinkle-free skin.

EPA also benefits the skin in several ways, including:

  • Managing oil production in skin.
  • Managing hydration of the skin.
  • Preventing hyperkeratinization of hair follicles (the little red bumps often seen on upper arms).
  • Preventing premature ageing of the skin.
  • Preventing acne.

Omega-3s can also protect your skin from sun damage. EPA helps block the release of substances that eat away at the collagen in your skin after sun exposure.

Bottom Line: Omega-3s can help keep skin cells healthy, preventing premature aging and more. They may also help protect the skin from sun damage.

Omega-3s Have Many Health Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important for optimal health.

Getting them from whole foods, such as eating fatty fish 2 times per week, is the best way to ensure optimal omega-3 intake.

However, if you don’t eat a lot of fatty fish, then you may want to consider taking an omega-3 supplement.

For people who are lacking in omega-3, this is a cheap and highly effective way to improve health.

This nutrition article is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, as well as Joints and More, providing joint relief, better hair and nails, and more energy.

Article source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3

Studies on Essential Fatty Acid Benefits and a Great Chart

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Greetings to you,

Included below is a fascinating chart with a wealth of info on essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are natural, healthy fats the body cannot make on its own — hence the term “essential”.  These are called Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats.  Omega 3 fats are things like salmon and other fish, fish oil, olive oil, avocado, seeds and green vegetables.

Omega 6 fats include vegetable oils like safflower oil and corn oil, as well as mayonnaise, fried foods, dairy and beef.  Many people eat more Omega 6 fats than Omega 3’s and when the balance between the fats becomes imbalanced, many health problems can occur.

One study of people with dry eyes was recently published in the journal “Cornea”.  They were given a daily dose of fish oil and flax oil.  At the end of the 90-day study, 70% of the participants with dry eye had no symptoms and also had an increase in tear production and volume.

In a recent study from the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, researchers in Norway proved that eating salmon has a positive impact on good sleep and overall daily functioning.  In this study, 95 males were divided into two groups: one that ate salmon three times per week, and the other group that ate an alternative meal (chicken, pork or beef). During the 6 month study period, their quality of sleep was measured in several ways including the amount of time needed to fall asleep, and the actual time spent sleeping in bed vs. their time awake.

The results showed that eating fish had a positive impact on sleep in all the ways it was measured. The researchers mentioned that fish is a source of the amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor for melatonin, and that other studies have found tryptophan in foods increases sleepiness in the evening. The fish group also reported better daily functioning, alertness and performance.

Regarding arthritis, in the journal “Proceedings of the Nutrition Society,” researchers analyzed several controlled trials of fish oil for arthritis.  The trials showed a reduction in tender joint counts and a decreased use of anti-inflammatory drugs with fish oil supplementation.  An important research note was that anti-inflammatory drugs can adversely affect the heart.  Fish oil is known to have a direct, positive effect on the heart.

To your good health,

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
Maker of natural sleep aids and joint relief products
Toll-free: 888-861-0326

essential fatty acids benefitsProvided by NutritionBreakthroughs.com

Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids: Healthier Joints, Eyes, Heart

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Fish Oil CapsulesEssential fatty acids are natural, healthy fats the body cannot make on its own:  hence the term “essential”.  These are called Omega 3 fats and Omega 6 fats.  Omega 3 fats are things like fish, fish oil, olive oil, avocado, seeds and green vegetables.  Recent research studies are finding these fats benefit the eyes, joints, heart, lungs, immunity and more.

Omega 6 fats include vegetable oils like safflower oil and corn oil, as well as mayonnaise, fried foods, dairy and beef.  Many people eat more Omega 6 fats than Omega 3’s and when the balance between the fats becomes imbalanced, many health problems can occur – particularly high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

One study of people with dry eyes was recently published in the journal “Cornea”.  They were given a daily dose of fish oil and flax oil.  At the end of the 90-day study, 70% of the participants with dry eye had no symptoms and also had an increase in tear production and volume.

In the journal “Proceedings of the Nutrition Society,” researchers analyzed several controlled trials of fish oil use for arthritis.  The trials showed a reduction in tender joint counts and a decreased use of anti-inflammatory drugs with fish oil supplementation.  An important research note was that anti-inflammatory drugs can adversely affect the heart.  Fish oil is known to have a direct, positive effect on the heart.

Here’s some more information on how to achieve good heart health from Dr. Joseph Mercola — a physician trained in both traditional and natural medicine.  He says to: “Replace harmful vegetable oils and synthetic hydrogenated fats such as margarine with healthy fats, including olive oil, butter, avocado, pastured eggs and coconut oil (remember olive oil should be used cold only, and one should use coconut oil for cooking and baking).”

This natural health news is provided to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a provider of nutrition articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, as well as Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.

New Studies Show Fish Oil Helps the Heart, Stomach and Immune System

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There is an ongoing battle between the healthy and unhealthy fats in our diets.  We’ll win the war by eating higher quality fats and the prizes will be less joint pain, stronger eyes, fewer heart attacks, lower blood pressure, and fewer cases of asthma and migraines.  The healthiest fats include fish and fish oil (salmon, sardines, trout), flax oil, walnuts, almonds, avocados, olive oil, and rice bran oil.

The unhealthy fats, and the ones that can contribute to conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammation and stomach troubles, are fried food, fast food, processed foods like chips, crackers and cookies, baked foods with hydrogenated oil, and eating a lot of full-fat meat and dairy.

Fish oil is widely known for its benefits to heart health and inflammation, but until now, scientists were not entirely sure about its immunity enhancing effects. A new report appearing in an issue of a biology journal has shown that fish oil enhances the activity of a certain kind of blood cell responsible for immunity in the body.  Fish oil may actually aid immune responses that help clear out various diseases.

Another study was recently done at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York regarding the use of fish oil for the health of the heart and arteries.  Researchers there found that a diet rich in fish oils can prevent the accumulation of fat in the aorta, the main artery leaving the heart. The beneficial actions of fish oil that block cholesterol buildup in the arteries were found even at very high fat intakes.

Scientists at the University of California in Los Angeles compared fish oil with soybean oil for the fat component that was used in feeding tubes for children with stomach failure.  The study was titled “Six months of fish oil reverses liver disease in children with intestinal failure.”  With the fish oil, nearly 80 percent of the patients experienced a reversal of their liver disease, while only 5 percent of the soybean oil patients saw a reversal.  This is a strong statement on the benefits of fish oil for stomach and liver health.

This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural insomnia remedy Sleep Minerals II.