9 Benefits of Omega 3

There are three types of omega-3s that are good for health, namely alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA can be found in seafood, while ALA in plants.

EPA and DHA are types of omega-3 fatty acids that can be absorbed easily in the body. Even so, the benefits of omega-3s of any type are still numerous, especially for maintaining the health and function of body organs.

Apart from the various benefits above, omega-3 can also be used to gain weight in underweight patients, both children and adults.

Various Benefits of Omega-3 for Health

Omega-3 is known as an important nutrient that is good for maintaining body health to avoid various diseases. The following are the various benefits of omega-3:

1. Prevent heart disease

Omega-3 is useful for lowering triglyceride levels and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. This effect makes omega-3 good for preventing blockages in the blood vessels due to cholesterol buildup. By consuming omega-3 regularly, blood flow in the body will remain smooth and this effect is very good for heart health. Sufficient omega-3 intake is also known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack.

2. Maintain brain health

In order to stay healthy and function properly, nerve and brain tissue require adequate nutritional intake. One nutrient that is good for the brain and nerves is omega-3.

Adequate intake of omega-3s can improve memory and concentration and reduce the risk of brain diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

3. Maintain eye health

DHA is the main fat structure in the retina of the eye. Lack of DHA intake can cause various eye disorders and eye diseases due to aging, such as macular degeneration. Therefore, you need to regularly get enough omega-3 intake to maintain eye function and health.

4. Strengthens the body's endurance

Omega-3 is a nutrient that can increase the body's endurance. With good immune system, the body will be stronger against bacteria and viruses that cause various diseases, such as flu and COVID-19.

5. Maintain healthy bones and joints

Several studies show that consuming omega-3s can increase bone strength and prevent the risk of osteoporosis. Apart from that, omega-3s which have anti-inflammatory effects are also good for preventing and treating joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis.

6. Maintain mental health

Not only for physical health, omega-3s are also useful for maintaining mental health. Several studies show that people who get enough omega-3 intake have a lower risk of developing mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.

7. Reduces the Risk of Cancer

Omega-3 is useful for reducing the risk of cancer. This is supported by a study released in the American Journal of Epidemiology, where participants who consumed omega-3s experienced a 55% reduction in the risk of colon cancer. Apart from that, the benefits of omega-3 are also widely associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. However, further research is still needed to prove the benefits of this one.

8.  Supports Fetal Growth and Development

The function of omega 3 is apparently not only felt by adults but also by fetuses that are still in the womb. The reason is, DHA contributes 40% of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain and 60% in the fetal retina. If the mother regularly consumes omega-3s during pregnancy, several benefits that the baby can experience are as follows:

Reduced risk of delay in growth and development

Reduced risk of autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy

Have higher intelligence

Omega-3 is a healthy type of fat that is famous for its various benefits. However, before consuming it, you can consult a doctor first to find out what dose of omega-3 suits your needs.