Fish oil supplements have become one of the most commonly used dietary supplements over recent years and with good reason. Scientists have carried out extensive studies to determine whether incorporating fish oil in your diet does any good to overall health and wellness. The primary source of fish oils is from oily or fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, and mackerel just to name a few. These fish oils contain good amounts of omega 3s and vitamins A and D. This article will give you a better understanding of what fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids are and what role they play in your physical and mental health.
Why are fish oils so special?
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils are what make it such an important dietary requirement. There are two key types of omega-3s found in fish:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): this omega-3 fatty acid helps to synthesize chemicals used in blood clotting and inflammation. It is the best known omega-3 fatty acid
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): it plays a crucial role in the cerebral cortex of the brain, in the retina of the eye, and sperm. DHA is prevalent throughout the body to the heart and it is also present in breast milk.
Some good food sources for omega-3s apart from oily fish are canola oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Benefits of fish oil
- Heart health
Fish oil has been promoted as a great way to protect your heart. There is, however, a lot of mixed evidence as to whether it is effective with preventing heart disease. Research shows that omega-3 supplements do not reduce the risk of heart disease. Even so, people who eat seafood one to four times a week are less likely to die of heart disease. Certain risk factors appear to be reduced by consuming fish oil supplements such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and triglycerides.
- Mental health
The brain is nearly 60% fat, most of which is omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies suggest that consuming fish oil can prevent the onset of some mental disorders and even improve some of their symptoms. Research on the benefits of fish oils on mental health is slightly conflicting, but slight improvements in the symptoms of these disorders may be attributed to omega-3s.
Fish oil may help you with your weight-loss journey. Obesity can increase your risk of other serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes but fish oil may lower this risk. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, you are on your way to a good and healthy weight. Plenty of research has gone into linking omega-3s to eye health, skincare, and inflammation because the fats are found abundantly in these parts of the body.
Fish oil supplements are essential for your body as they do a lot of good. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, these supplements will be a great dietary supplement for you. You can get yourself some quality omega-3s at Body by Nature.