What are Omega 3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids belong to a group of polyunsaturated fats that are essential to human health as the body cannot produce them on its own. It’s therefore important for us to gain omega-3 fatty acids through our diets. Omega-3’s main fatty acids include Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) that work together to correct the imbalances of modern diets that can lead to health problems.

Omega-3 fatty acids are easily found in fish oils from oily fish including mackerel, salmon, herring, anchovies and sardines. It is well-known that seafood is an excellent source of omega-3 and it is recommended that you eat at least a couple of portions of fish every week to ensure that your body is gaining the benefits of these fatty acids. Not only will you find omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish, but you will also find lower levels of omega-3 in seafood like scallops, lobsters, crab and shrimp. You can also find these essential fatty acids from nut and seeds like flaxseed and walnuts as well as certain oils, beans and vegetables.

Considering that omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in every single cell in the body, they undoubtedly have their many benefits to our all-round, general health.

Here are some of the main benefits of omega-3 fatty acids:

• Beneficial effects for arthritic diseases and joint pain as they reduce and repair joint damage, pain and inflammation.
• Lower blood pressure, maintain healthy circulation and keep the heart healthy while lowering bad cholesterol levels.
• May help to suppress the growth of certain types of cancer.
• Improve cognitive function and memory as well as helping to fight against age-related cognitive decline and protecting against mood disorders.
• Can help to keep your skin hydrated, prevent it from drying out and protect it against daily damage, therefore helping to relive certain skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis and eczema.