By Irina Carter

Omega-3 fatty acids forms part of the essential fatty acids that we need in our diet. They help the body system to work more efficiently and normally. Omega-3 fatty acids are not readily available in the body and the main source that we can have it is to consume the same from food sources in our diet. The two most important omega-3 fatty acids namely EPA and DHA are primarily available from fishes. There are also plants that naturally contain omega-3 fatty acids like flax where the fatty acids are converted into DHA and EPA when consumed in the body. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, halibut, tune, algae, krill and nut oils.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and heart diseases

According to the American Heart Association, omega-3 fatty acids are important in our diet because they are valuable sources of fatty acids that can prevent the risk of heart disease. Eating fishes containing high in omega-3 fatty acids like mackerel, sardines, salmon, albacore tuna, lake trout and herring twice a week could help prevent heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to promote good cholesterol in the body. People who have good cholesterol levels are known to be fond of eating fish with omega-3 fatty acids. Fats in the blood known as triglycerides are decreased with omega-3 intake. Walnuts are found to be good sources of omega-3 fatty acids as it contains alpha linolenic acid that is readily converted to omega-3.

The body’s blood pressure is also seen to have a favorable response to omega-3 fatty acids. Blood pressure is lower in people with high omega-3 diet. Hypertension

is prevented in patients who are taking fish oil supplements and those taking at least 3 grams of fish oil daily. Omega-3 fatty acids have been the subject of clinical research and its effectiveness in treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases has been established. The recommended diet among patients with heart disease should consist of low saturated fats and high in monounsaturated and polysaturated fats like the omega-3 fatty acids.

The essential omega-3 fatty acids namely EPA and DHA are important in reducing the risk factors for high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Fish oil supplements are recommended as prevention against high triglycerides or fats in the blood. It can help regulate the rhythm of the heart among those who had previous heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to prevent atherosclerosis where hardening of the arteries occurs that could lead to plaques, blood clots, stroke and heart attack. People taking fish oil supplements are warned against taking higher doses as it could potentially increase the risk of bleeding. Eating more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily could also lead to hemorrhagic stroke which is known for its fatality where arteries in the brain ruptures. It is important to take fish oil at the recommended dosage by a doctor or those indicated on the package label. Over dosage of omega-3 fatty acids in one’s diet can be potentially dangerous hence its use must be taken moderately as a health supplement and preventive diet against heart diseases.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and chronic diseases

Researches also show that omega-3 fatty acids can also be useful in preventing other chronic diseases. It is known to be capable of reducing instances of inflammation in the body. Aside from its health benefits against heart disease, omega 3 can also be a useful preventive measure against cancers and arthritis. Its high concentration in the brain is known to improve cognitive functions like improving brain memory and performance. It can also affect behavioral function. Omega 3 fatty acids also play an important role in preventing visual problems and nerve dysfunction that usually occur among pregnant women. The lack of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet could make a person easily feel tired or fatigued and may result to a poor memory and cognitive function. Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency could also result in mood changes, depression and even poor blood circulation in the body.

Diabetics have high triglycerides with low good cholesterol level. Taking Omega 3 in their diet could improve their triglycerides level and helps them obtain a healthy cholesterol level. However, type 2 diabetics are known to experience high blood sugar when taking fish oil therefore caution should be observed before taking fish oil and must be seen by a doctor first.

Omega 3 fatty acids can also improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune disease. It is known to reduce the inflammatory response of the body in arthritis and helps relieve joint inflammation and morning stiffness. The health benefit of omega 3 in arthritis is mainly for treating the symptoms of arthritis but it could not help in preventing the progression of the disease such as damage to the joints. Omega 3 fatty acids can also help in relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Other health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids extends to help relieve the symptoms of other chronic diseases like osteoporosis, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, inflammatory bowel disease, menstrual pain, macular degeneration, some forms of cancers especially colon, breast and prostate cancers.

– Irina Carter is the author of the site: http://www.raipharmacies.com where you can get a valuable run-down about ways of men’s problems and its medications. She loves writing about men’s health, supplements, nutrition, fitness and beauty.