What are the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Omega-3 fatty acids are the brain-boosting, cholesterol-clearing good fats (monounsaturated). I list them as 1 of the 5 critical vitamins every woman should take, 1 of 5 daily nutrition needs and as one of the most important steps expecting mother's can take to promote their baby's healthy development. There are 3 basic forms of omega-3:
• Alpha-linelenic acid (ALA) found in English walnuts and vegetable oils
like flaxseed, soybean, and olive, which the body eventually, but in small
quantities, converts to DHA.
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found primarily in fish oil, this is the
ultimate form of fatty acid in humans. Most people get far too little of
this all-important fatty acid, especially since the conversion of ALA to
DHA is slow and yields little. Getting a daily dose of DHA (600 to 1,000
milligrams) from supplements is preferable to reap the health benefits.
You have a choice of taking a fish oil supplement or one derived from
algae or krill, a shrimp-like crustacean.
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is also found in fish oil, so it's absorbed if
you're taking a daily dose of DHA omega-3.Helpful? 2 people found this helpfulOmega-3 fatty acids are the brain-boosting, cholesterol-clearing good fats (monounsaturated). I list them as 1 of the 5 critical vitamins every woman should take, 1 of 5 daily nutrition needs and as one of the most important steps expecting mother's... More -
Dr. Dean Ornish answered:Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce triglycerides (a form of fat), lower blood pressure, and decrease inflammation (thereby reducing the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory illnesses as well as autoimmune diseases such as lupus). The omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent excessive blood clots from forming, which in turn may decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke. They may also help prevent irregular heartbeats such as atrial fibrillation.
If that’s not enough, there are even more benefits. When given to pregnant women and lactating mothers, omega-3 fatty acids (which are an important part of the brain) may actually increase their babies’ IQs and reduce the incidence of allergic disease in the offspring. They may also reduce depression, and may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia. Also, some studies suggest that the omega-3 fatty acids may improve immune function and reduce the risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids comprise approximately 8 percent of the average human brain, so it’s not surprising that they really are “brain food.” If you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, the omega-3 fatty acids you consume go to your baby as well, making your baby smarter. If you’re not breast-feeding, make sure the formula you’re using contains omega-3 fatty acids - researchers in Dallas found that babies who were given formula enriched with omega-3 fatty acids scored seven points higher on intelligence tests.
A major article was published in the international medical journal The Lancet, stating that the children of mothers who consumed more than 340 grams (12 ounces) per week of seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids had higher IQs, better behavior, fewer problems with their peers, less hyperactivity, fewer emotional disorders, and better communication skills than those whose mothers consumed less seafood.
Find out more about this book: The Spectrum: A Scientifically Proven Program to Feel Better, Live Longer,...Helpful? 1 person found this helpful
Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce triglycerides (a form of fat), lower blood pressure, and decrease inflammation (thereby reducing the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory illnesses as well as autoimmune diseases such as lupus). The omega-3... More -
Penn Medicine answered:Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally occurring fats that our bodies need but cannot produce on their own. These fatty acids have been shown to decrease the risk of coronary artery disease. They may also protect against irregular heartbeats and help lower blood pressure levels.
Some sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:- walnuts
- canola oil
- soybean oil
- wild salmon, lake trout, herring and albacore tuna
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulOmega-3 fatty acids are naturally occurring fats that our bodies need but cannot produce on their own. These fatty acids have been shown to decrease the risk of coronary artery disease. They may also protect against irregular heartbeats and... More -
Dr. Harris McIlwain answered:In the past, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA), were used primarily for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because RA involves significant inflammation and these fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects. However, we now know that other types of chronic pain also have inflammation, so EPA may help to reduce this. Also, there are findings that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may alleviate depression.
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In the past, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA), were used primarily for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because RA involves significant inflammation and these fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects. However, we now... More -
Janis Jibrin of The Best Life answered:Omega-3 fatty acids offer a host of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, which, in turn, helps prevent and may even treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. They have been linked with prevention of type 2 diabetes. These fats also help prevent blood clots and lower blood pressure, can improve mood, and may increase IQ in children. The health effects are so great that there's a case to be made for taking omega-3 supplements in addition to what you get from your diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids offer a host of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, which, in turn, helps prevent and may even treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. They have been linked with prevention of type 2... More -
Dr. Bill Salt answered:Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk and symptoms of a variety of disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglyceride levels. If your triglycerides are elevated, there is increasing scientific evidence that fish oil and statin drugs are synergistic in their effects on lowering them. Omega-3 fatty acids increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), help minimize inflammation and blood clotting, and keep blood vessels healthy. They help keep the heart beating at a steady rate, and they greatly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. They may reduce the risk of getting cancer of the prostate or breast. They may reduce depression. When given to pregnant and nursing mothers, they may increase a baby’s IQ, given their impact on brain development.
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Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk and symptoms of a variety of disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglyceride levels. If your triglycerides are elevated, there is increasing scientific evidence that fish oil... More -
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Research suggests that omega-3s may help thin blood and prevent blood platelets from clotting and sticking to artery walls. In turn, this may help lower the risk for blocked blood vessels and heart attacks.Research suggests that omega-3s may help thin blood and prevent blood platelets from clotting and sticking to artery walls. In turn, this may help lower the risk for blocked blood vessels and heart attacks. More -
Ximena Jimenez of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Omega-3s are a healthy type of fat that have plenty of health benefits including lowering heart disease by decreasing triglyceride levels. Omega-3 fatty acids seem to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. There is some evidence that it can alleviate some of the symptoms in patients with psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Food sources of Omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, flaxseed, canola oil, and walnuts.
Omega-3s are a healthy type of fat that have plenty of health benefits including lowering heart disease by decreasing triglyceride levels. Omega-3 fatty acids seem to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. There is some... More -
RealAge answered:Omega-3 fatty acids -- found in canola oil and also in walnuts, flaxseeds, and olive oil -- have lots of health benefits, starting with cancer prevention. They may help prevent heart disease, help control cholesterol, and help control your appetite better, too. So think of more ways to add omega-3 fats in your diet. Like these ideas:
- Eat something fishy. Cold water fish, such as salmon, haddock, trout, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and cod, are rich in omega-3s.
- Go nuts. Nuts and seeds -- as well as oils made from them -- are another great source.
Omega-3 fatty acids -- found in canola oil and also in walnuts, flaxseeds, and olive oil -- have lots of health benefits, starting with cancer prevention. They may help prevent heart disease, help control cholesterol, and help control your appetite... More -
Samantha Heller answered:Apart from helping to prevent cardiovascular disease and helping ease depression, omega-3s have the following benefits:
- Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids reduce tender joint pain for people suffering with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Omega-3 fats act as systemic anti-inflammatories.
- A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids might help treat people with lung diseases such as asthma and emphysema.
- Plant sources of omega-3s, such as walnuts and flaxseeds, help keep bones strong and healthy.
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Apart from helping to prevent cardiovascular disease and helping ease depression, omega-3s have the following benefits: Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids reduce tender joint pain for people suffering with rheumatoid arthritis.... More -
Dr. Maoshing Ni answered:Omega-3 fatty acids have been in the nutrition spotlight for quite a long time due to their amazing health properties. Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats, which are vital nutrients. These mighty omegas curb inflammation, regulate blood clotting, build cell membranes, and support cell health. Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fat, which contributes to peak cardiovascular health by reducing blood triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Because the body doesn’t produce omega-3, it is essential that we obtain it from our diets.
Omega-3 sources: Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel, as well as walnuts, flaxseeds, hempseeds, wild rice, omega-3-fortified dairy products, and omega-3-enriched eggs.Omega-3 fatty acids have been in the nutrition spotlight for quite a long time due to their amazing health properties. Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats, which are vital nutrients. These mighty omegas curb inflammation, regulate... More -
Dr. Alan Seifer of Baptist Health South Florida answered:Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for the body to function normally. Because essential fatty acids are not made in the body, we need to get them from our diet. Omega-3s boost heart health and lower triglycerides.
Sardines, salmon, flax seeds and walnuts are excellent food sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s in fish oil, fish and seafood have been shown to lower the risk of heart attacks.
Omega-3s have a number of health benefits. Omega-3s can help reduce inflammation throughout the body -- in the blood vessels, the joints, and elsewhere.
Along with regular exercise, omega-3s may help prevent memory loss.
However, you should consult with your doctor. Omega-3 supplements (EPA/DHA) may cause the blood to thin and promote excess bleeding, particularly in those taking anticoagulant drugs.
Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for the body to function normally. Because essential fatty acids are not made in the body, we need to get them from our diet. Omega-3s boost heart health and lower triglycerides. Sardines, salmon, flax seeds and... More
