Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health

There are 3 Omega-3 fatty acids that the human body must take from outside. These are ALA (Alpha linolenic acid), EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) essential fatty acids. Although these fatty acids are mostly found in fish, they are also found in small amounts in green plants and plant seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the form of triglycerides in nature, but synthetic derivatives such as ethyl esters have been produced by the food supplement industry. These forms have low potential for mixing into blood. Omega-3 fatty acids have very important functions such as the development of the baby's brain, eye and nervous system during pregnancy, supporting the brain, intelligence and eye health in the first 5 years after birth, and supporting cardiovascular health in adults. Hundreds of clinical studies have been conducted to understand the health effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Scientists have come up with contradictory result but the most common conclusion is that regular use of omega-3 fatty acids has an anti-inflammatory effect on the human body. Its positive effects on eye and brain health have been demonstrated through clinical studies.

Omega-3 Effects on Blood Fats

There have been clinical studies showing that omega 3 fatty acids are effective in lowering triglyceride levels in the blood. In addition, Omega-3 supplements are thought to regulate the HDL/LDL balance. 

Cardiovascular Health

It is thought that EPA and DHA can help in reducing the risk of heart diseases. The mechanism of this is thought to be due to its anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory activity rather than the reduction of blood lipids. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to inhibit thromboxane activity that causes platelet aggregation. A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce vasoconstriction and blood clotting tendency. Hypertension is among the major factors that increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. It has been reported in some clinical studies that EPA and DHA regulate blood pressure.

Mental Health

Fish oil contains DHA, one of the structural fatty acids in the gray matter of the brain. For this reason, DHA is necessary for the development of the brain and increasing mental performance. Studies have shown that mental performances work better in people who consume fish oil, which is a source of DHA.

Inflammation

In studies, it has been determined that Omega 3 fatty acids show an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the formation of factors that cause inflammation.

Pregnancy and Child Development

DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in breast milk. In the postpartum period when the brain and eye development continue significantly, the baby continues to take DHA from breast milk. Studies indicate that babies of mothers who get enough DHA during pregnancy and lactation have higher vision and intelligence levels than babies of mothers with DHA deficiency. 60% of the brain is made up of fat. DHA is the most abundant fatty acid among these fats. Since the DHA of the baby's cerebrum and cerebellum increases 3 times in the last 3 months of pregnancy, the mother's consumption of sufficient amount of DHA throughout the entire pregnancy period is critical for the baby's brain development. DHA is required for the development of eye. Especially in the second half of pregnancy, the concentration of DHA in the retinal tissue of the fetus increases significantly. It is thought that fish oil may be effective in treating postpartum depression.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders cause symptoms such as rheumatoid arthritis. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to be particularly effective in rheumatoid arthritis. In a recent study, the symptoms observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients who took 2.6 g of fish oil-based Omega 3 supplements per day for 1 year were alleviated and the patient's need for painkillers significantly decreased.

Prostate cancer

In an epidemiological study conducted in Sweden with 6272 people for 30 years, it was observed that the risk of developing prostate cancer in individuals who consume fish is two times less than those who do not consume fish. However, there are also evaluations that do not agree with this view.

Warnings/Drug Interactions

It has no known side effects or contraindications, but it is recommended to be taken or consumed with caution with oral anticoagulant drugs.

10 Reasons to Take Omega-3 Supplements

• Since omega 3 fatty acids are not synthesized in the human body, they must be taken from outside.
• Pregnant women should use it for their babies' eye, nervous system, and brain development.
• Young children (0-5 years old) should use it for brain and eye development.
• Children (7-12 years old) should use it for brain development, intelligence, and high concentration.
• Healthy individuals should take it after the age of 40 to support cardiovascular health.
• It should be taken to protect yourself against auto-immune diseases.
• It should be taken as an aid to the treatment of depression and mental distress.
• Older men should use it to support prostate health.
• It should be taken at advanced ages (70 years and beyond) to support memory functions.
• People who follow a diet should take it to avoid omega 3 deficiency.