Benefits of omega 3 fatty acids

Omega 3 fatty acids seem like the ‘panacea’ for good health. Found in fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, herring, soybean, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, spinach, walnuts and salad greens, omega 3 fatty acids can be easily included in your diet. However, supplements are also available. Here are 10 health benefits of this diet marvel:1.     Improves blood cholesterol levels:     According to studies, fish, fish oil and walnuts can decrease triglyceride levels. People who eat fatty fish tend to have increased HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides.2.     Prevents heart disease:     A diet low in saturated fat and rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids) helps prevent heart disease. Fish oil has been shown to reduce arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), risk of stroke and helps prevent and treat atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of artery). Fish oil supplements taken after a heart attack cuts the risk of having another heart attack.3.     Regulates important physiological functions:    Some studies suggest that Omega-3 fats play an important role in the production of prostaglandins which are known to regulate important physiological functions like blood pressure, blood clotting, nerve transmission, allergic responses, etc.4.    Helps in Diadetes:     According to a Finnish study, men who consumed omega-3 fatty acids were 33% less likelier to develop type 2 diabetes than men who didn’t. It is recommended that you eat fish twice a week. 5.     Helps improve symptoms of Rheimatoid Arthritis:     Various studies have found that fish oil supplements EPA and DHA significantly reduced stiffness and joint pain of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They also seem to enhance the efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs.6.     Reduces depression levels:      Researchers have found that people eating foods with high levels of omega-3s have lower levels of depression. Fish oil also seems to increase the effects of antidepressants and help reduce mood swings.7.     Increases bone strength:    Omega-3 fatty acids may help increase calcium levels in the body thereby improving bone strength, although not all results were positive. People with deficiency of essential fatty acids EPA and GLA may have more bone loss than those with normal levels of these fatty acids.8.     Protection against Dementia and Alzheimer’s:      Decreased intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with increased risk of dementia. Scientists believe that omega-3 fatty acid DHA is protective against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 9.     Reduces risk of cancer:     An Omega-3 fatty acid rich diet seems to reduce the risk and prevents worsening of colon cancer. Women who eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids over many years may be less likely to develop breast cancer and prostate cancer. Low fat diet including omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil helps prevent the development of prostate cancer. 10.    Slows aging:     According to researchers, taking enough omega-3 fatty acid supplements could slow a key biological process linked to ageing. 

SOURCE

http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/omega-3-fatty-acids-why-you-need-them-in-your-diet/