Omega 3 fish oil benefit is essential, “meaning that they can’t be synthesized in your body and must be eaten in your diet. Omega-3 is synthesized by microalgae, not by fish. But accumulates in the tissue when they are eaten by fish and shellfish further up the food chain”. Said, Dr. Harriet Holme, Registered Nutritionist, and doctor. 
“Oily fish contain about 30% fat in their tissues, and this is where the omega fatty acids are found. There are many claims about omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils. But what is the evidence of the real benefits of fish oil for men and women? Can fish oils really improve your brain health, reduce your cholesterol, or help your heart?” Dr. Holmes added
Omega-3 are “polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important to our health. This group of fatty acids plays a vital role in many body functions. The human body itself cannot produce these essential fats; it will need to obtain these nutrients form diet”.
Seafood is really good source of food for omega 3, but for vegetarians and those who don’t like seafood, obtaining these fatty acids form nuts and seeds is possible.
Omega 3 fish oil benefit for our general health
There are several benefits of omega fatty acids that can support men and women’s health in many ways, according to Dr. Holme:
Cell Structure – “Omega-3 have an important role in the structure of cell membranes. There is trillion of cells in out body that need to be functioning in the healthiest way possible”.
Best Source of Energy – “These fatty acids consider the best sources of energy, just like any other fat source. Which means they can be used together with energy from carbohydrates to power your body”.
Signaling Molecules – “Omega fatty acids are used to form signaling molecules called eicosanoids, comprised of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes that have extremely important functions within our bodies”.
Cardiovascular Diseases – “heart diseases are related to blood vessels including blood clots, rhythm problems, and heart attacks. ALA may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, according to research”.
Decrease Cholesterol – “The inverse relationship between omega-3 and triglyceride levels, relating to the intake of omega-3, led to a decrease in cholesterol and that higher doses of omega-3 led to a greater effect”.
Improve Brain Health – “Omega 3 and dementia, but more information is needed to see if omega-3 can prevent cognitive decline, according to a grouped meta-analysis”.
Help with Arthritis – “Omega 3 supplements, have been found to benefit the clinical outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis and may even delay the need for medications”.
Supports Eye Health – “Getting enough omega-3 is linked to a reduced risk of macular degeneration, one of the world’s leading causes of permanent eye damage and blindness”.
Boost Your Mood – “It is suggested that omega-3 may play a role in the prevention and treatment of depression”.
Omega 3 fish oil benefit for women
The most important health benefit of omega-3 is related to cardiovascular diseases. Women can benefit greatly from omega 3 – fatty acids in the following:
- It can reduce menstrual cramps – Many women experience dysmenorrhea, a condition related to menstrual cramps and abdominal discomfort on monthly basis. “Omega-3 fatty acids may ease the menstrual pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties they contain” According to research”.
- It reduces rheumatoid arthritis – Women are three times at risk to experience “rheumatoid arthritis “than men, according to research”.
- It helps fertility – “Omega-3 appears to have a role in a healthy gamete (eggs and sperm) formation with consumption associated with increased probability of pregnancy and live birth rate”.
“Couple systematic reviews have published in the recent decade “that fish oil supplements help reduce the swelling and pain in the joint, caused by immune system attacking the lining of the joints in different areas. It also reduces morning stiffness because of its anti-inflammatory effects”.
What are the fatty acids in omega 3?
Omega 3 fish oil benefit the functioning of the body through fatty acids. Each fatty acid play an important role in certain body function.
“(ALA) – Alpha-linolenic acid, “is considered essential in the diet because it is an omega-3 building block of the fatty acids EPA and DHA”. According to Dr. Puya Yazdi, a physician-scientist, experienced in clinical medicine, life sciences, biotechnology, and nutraceuticals.
Alpha-linolenic acid helps:
- Reduced vision
- Weakness
- Inability to walk
- Pain in the legs
- Blurry vision (in monkeys)
- Scaliness of skin
- Excessive cholesterol and inflammation
“(EPA) and (DHA) are synthesized by microalgae, not by the fish, but they accumulate in the tissue when they are eaten by fish and shellfish further up the food chain. They are important to produce prostaglandins, which helps in the following:
- Regulating blood pressure
- Inflammation
- Neurological functions
- Hormones production
What is the best source of omega 3?
Certain foods can be very rich in omega-3 nutrients according to Ms. Joey Ho, dietitian form the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at KK women’s and Children’s Hospital,
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Pecans
- Mayonnaise
- Sea buckthorn oil
- Sage oil
- plant-based oils like flaxseed
- canola and soybean oil
- nuts
- seafood (mainly oily fish like salmon, tuna) shellfish
Vegans can obtain these fatty acids from nuts, seeds, soy products, green leafy vegetables. Or, in many cases supplements can be the right answer to those with poor diet habits, and health issues.
What age group should take omega-3 fish oil?
Omega 3 fish oil benefit start from birth to very old age, according to studies. “Children who are fed formula containing omega-3 and those who are born form mothers who took omega-3 during the pregnancy and breastfeeding have “better cognitive skills” Research has shown.
Omega 3 fish oil benefit people of various ages in the following:
- Fish oil is considered a treatment for kids suffering from ADHD
- It helps reduce the inflammation in the airways for people suffering from asthma
- It is essential for teens to prevent experiencing diabetes in late age.
- Adults who consume fish oil at least twice a week are at lower risk if developing cardiovascular problems by 32%.
- Number of studies show people who consume omega-3 have lower risk of certain cancers.
The risk of overdosing omega3 fish oil
“Dietary supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil, which is the most common and generally are considered safe. They might have side effects include:
- A fishy aftertaste
- Bad breath
- Indigestion
- Nausea,
- Loose stools
- Rash
Taking fish oil in high doses may increase a person’s risk of bleeding and could increase the risk of stroke. Generally, the risk of health problems associated with taking this supplement is low”. According to Mayo Clinic.
Final thoughts
Unfortunately, many people weren’t and still not aware of omega-3 fish oil benefit. It is important to include these fatty acids in every day’s diet. Omega-3 protects against inflammation, cardiovascular and many other diseases. According to research.
Most of us don’t consume the right diet to obtain what’s needed from omega3 oil fish benefit to maintain good functioning body. Nevertheless, in the recent years, people became more aware of the importance of omega 3 -fatty acids.
They start varying their diet based on knowledge gained from the internet information about the importance of fish oil. Many started including diet that contain fish oil and Taking supplements.
With all that being shared, consulting your doctor is the smartest decision before taking fish oil supplements or giving it to your children. If doctor approves it, you can give omega-3 for your child, that are made specifically for kids, which are higher in DHA, the fatty acids that children need the most.