Daily required amount of omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fish Oil: Natural Sources, Benefits, Risks
Fatty acids are essential elements for the human body. The human brain contains nearly 60% fat. Fatty acids play an important role in forming the body's cell membranes, hormones, signal messengers, etc. There are two main types of fatty acids: Essential fatty acids and non-essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are those fatty acids that our body cannot make, and we get through food. On the other hand, our body prepares non-essential fatty acids through various chemical reactions. Of the fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids or Fish Oil are highly vital for the body, which is an essential fatty acid. Let’s discuss the benefits and risks of consuming Omega-3 fatty acids.
What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
Omega 3 is a sort of unsaturated fat. Health-conscious people know that saturated fat is harmful to the heart. And that is why eating oily foods after a certain age is risky for one's health. But it is not forbidden to eat unsaturated fatty foods. Moreover, it increases the number of beneficial fats in the blood and benefits the body.
Omega 3 is such fat that it has immense health benefits for people of all ages. There are mainly three types of omega-3 fats found in nature, Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in some vegetable foods or oils. The other two types are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are found in fish and seafood.
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Why are Omega 3 Fatty Acids called fish oil?
As we already know that omega 3 is unsaturated fat that we can get from natural resources. Besides, the supplement can be taken to supply omega 3 to the body. The main source of this fat is fish and seafood. Fish Oil contains omega 3, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Since fish is a significant source of omega 3, it is called fish oil.
Benefits of consuming Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 is very beneficial for health. From keeping the heart healthy to developing the baby, from losing weight to overcoming fatigue- omega 3 or fish oil is used to keep our body healthy in many ways. Let's take a look at some of them.
Helps to keep the heart healthy
Omega 3 fatty acids work on preventing cardiovascular disease. Also ensures that the cardiovascular system works properly. In fact, fish oil lowers triglyceride levels to 15-30% approximately, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Further, it helps control blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help cure any heart block.
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Helps to cure prostate cancer
It is important to eat fish oil to prevent deadly diseases like cancer. Omega 3 fatty acids help the body's normal and healthy cell division. Regular intake of fish oil makes it easier to prevent breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
Mental development and fight depression
EPA and DHA can play an important role in developing a baby's brain. Moreover, mental problems such as stress, anxiety, etc., can be reduced by taking fish oil regularly. The Study finds that omega 3 found in fish oil can work on improving depressive symptoms via anti-inflammatory effects. It is also useful to develop memory.
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Increases the fertility
Fish oil is beneficial in increasing the fertility of men. Omega 3 helps in increasing sperm; as a result, it increases male fertility. Not only men, but fish oil also helps to increase the fertility of women.
3 years ago