While fats are generally unhealthy, omega-3 fatty acids are an exception to that rule.
The fact is that you must consume omega-3 if you want your body to stay in peak shape. In fact, very few nutrients come close to omega-3 fatty acids with respect to health benefits.
Let’s find out how omega 3 benefits your health –
- Good for your eyes
Do you have trouble reading the newspaper? You could be omega 3 deficient. Your retina needs DHA – a kind of omega 3 fatty acid to function properly. When you don’t eat foods that contain this nutrient, vision problems can crop up.
- Fights anxiety
Worries and anxiety take a heavy toll on both your mind and your body and can lead to depression, heart disorders and brain stroke. Omega 3 fatty acids can help you deal with anxiety, worries, and can even fight off depression.
- Promotes brain growth of the embryo
Are you or a loved one expecting a child? Pregnant women need a regular dose of omega 3 fatty acids because it promotes brain development in the foetus. This has been observed to increase intelligence and enhance behavioural and social skills in children.
- Counteracts the risk factors of heart ailments
Heart disorders are a leading cause of hospitalization. How can omega 3 fatty acids improve heart health? They can combat the factors that challenge your heart health such as plaque, inflammation, blood clots, triglycerides, bad cholesterol and hypertension.
- Prevents metabolic syndrome
Why is metabolic syndrome harmful? Because the illnesses that come under it such as central obesity (the waistline), high blood pressure and resistance to insulin can be very bad for your health.
- Can save you from dementia
Did you know that omega 3 is not just good for a baby’s brain but your brain too? If you take omega 3 fatty acids all your life, it will slow down or prevent the degeneration of your brain. It will prevent memory loss and dementia. In fact, Alzheimer’s’ patients can really benefit from omega 3 supplements.
- Defends you against cancer
Studies have shown that regular consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids reduces the risk of colon cancer, breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
Good sources of Omega 3 –
Omega 3 fatty acids are mostly found in –
- Sea fish like mackerel, herring, salmon and sardines
- Cod liver oil
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
- Soya beans
They are also available as supplements.
Omega 3 fatty acids should be an important component of your diet. Consume it regularly to keep illnesses at bay.