To live a healthy and happy life, it’s important to eat a nutritious and quality diet that serves the goodness of all essential macro and micronutrients.
Although it’s important that any meal that you eat contains all vital micronutrients, the one nutrient which carries impressive health benefits, and something we all often lack is Omega-3 fatty acids.
What are Omega-3 fatty acids? How helpful are they?
Omega-3s are a core nutrient which helps you support good health and wellness. Usually derived via foods naturally rich in them, or through supplements, adding Omega-3s to your diet, in the regular run benefits almost all vital functions and keeps the body running well. From the heart to the reproductive system, it carries benefits for almost all vital organs. It also forms the structure of multiple cell structures in our body, which is reason enough why one ought not to miss this.
Now, Omega-3 fatty acids can be of many kinds. Of these, EPA and DHA found in certain types of foods is considered the most helpful ones, and if used correctly, can add years to your life! The DHA levels are also said to be on the higher side, naturally found in the retina, brain as well as sperm cells.
We explain some of the benefits here:
1. Helps fight Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
A healthy intake of Omega-3 fatty acids is particularly helping in supporting the immune system do its job, prevent and manage autoimmune conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis from flaring up. Not only have they been known to improve the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory medicines, but certain supplements such as fish oil help also reduce joint pain and swelling.
2. Lowers triglyceride levels in the body
Studies have shown that certain Omega-3 rich foods, such as fish oil is incredibly helpful in lowering down the level of triglyceride, aka, blood fat in the body, and thus, boosts heart health. Not only are triglycerides bad for your heart, having Omega-3 rich foods and supplements can make your heart young.
3. Cuts down the risk of mental ailments
Omega-3 is incredibly good to keep the brain active and at its prime. Apart from enriching brain health and supporting functions, intake of Omega-3 is also said to lower down levels of depression and cut down the risk of many forms of mental illnesses. More study is needed to confirm the same.
4. Powers workouts
Fish oil and some other Omega-3 rich foods can be a wonderful aid if you workout pretty happen as it can help build muscle mass, endurance, provide needed energy and make your workout hours a lot more fulfilling.
5. Good to be had during pregnancy
If you are expecting and want your baby to come out healthy and strong, it’s crucial you add every form of Omega-3 rich food to your diet. Simply said, Omega-3 is really good to promote the baby’s growth and development in the early years (right from pregnancy) and benefits visual and neurological development. Thus, it should be paid attention to.
6. Lowers levels of inflammation in the body
High levels of inflammation is tied to the risk of chronic illnesses and lifestyle disorders. Studies have now proven that doses of Omega-3 in the diet can actually lower levels of inflammation associated with some diseases like asthma and other respiratory diseases.
What are the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids?
While supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acids is a common choice many go for, a lot of the natural foods and some forms of seafood and poultry are also counted as rich sources of this helpful nutrient.
Seafood such as fatty fish, salmon, eggs, certain kinds of nuts and seeds, nut oils, veggies can be rich in Omega-3s. However, since a lot of these foods can also weigh slightly higher on calories, moderated portion sizes will help you stay on the right track of health.
