Benefits of Omega 3 Supplements

May 26, 2010 by  
Filed under Nutrition

omega3

Omega 3 m is a fatty acid that is essential for proper body functions and good health overall. A well known fact is that as humans we cannot produce this very important nutrient. It behooves each person therefore that they ensure that their diet includes sources of Omega 3. This fatty acid is present in a number of foods including tuna, salmon, whole grains, fruits and nuts. You can also go for Omega 3 supplements in case you are not (or cannot) get adequate quantities of in your meals. The following are some of the key benefits of taking omega 3 supplements regularly:

Prevents Heart Disease

Cardiac problems can lead to strokes and even heart attacks. Medical research has shown that those that had a good quantity of Omega 3 in their blood stream had effectively lowering the risk of cardiac illnesses. This essential fatty acid reduces your susceptibility to blood clots and plaque build up in the arteries which are one of the most common causes for heart failure. For best results, combine your intake of Omega 3 supplements with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Treats High Blood Pressure

Individuals suffering from high blood pressure will usually have to make do with several prescription drugs in order to lower the hypertension. But a number of these drugs have significant side effects such as nausea, fatigue and headache. A good case in point is Omega 3. Taking 3 or more grams of Omega 3 each day is effective in lowering blood pressure but without the side effects.

Boosts Growth and Immunity

A number of studies had been conducted with Omega 3 on mammals in the area of growth and it has shown that this essential fatty acid helps boost body growth. At the same time, Omega 3 is a powerful addition to the body’s disease fighting mechanism. Patients suffering from autoimmune disorders such as lupus have seen improvement once they were put on Omega 3 supplements. Pain and inflammation were also reduced.

Arthritis

Other inflammatory conditions that Omega 3 supplements can be used to counter include arthritis and inflammatory bowel disorder. It decreases joint rigidity and slows down the progression of arthritis. Actually, in certain circumstances, arthritis sufferers can reduce their intake of prescribed drugs by taking regular amounts of omega 3 supplements.

Depression and Mental Illness

Omega 3 reduces depression, bipolar disease and other mental illness that are usually caused by a chemical imbalance. When one takes omega 3 supplements as an addition to the standard drugs used for such illnesses, improvement takes place faster.