Omega-3s seem to get a lot of attention in health and wellness articles of late, and you might be wondering what is so good about them, as well as how to get more of them in your diet. The amount of information about supplements out there can be really confusing, which is why our team of Pharmacists here at Pharmaplus have put together an easy summary about these famous fatty acids.
What are Omega-3s?
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own, which is why it is so important to include them in our diets or take supplements.
What role do they play in the body?
One of the primary benefits of omega-3s is their ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to many chronic diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, and even cancer. Omega-3s have been shown to reduce the production of inflammatory molecules, which can help reduce the risk of these diseases.
Another benefit of omega-3s is their ability to support heart health. Studies have shown that omega-3s can lower triglycerides (a type of blood fat), reduce blood pressure, and prevent the formation of blood clots, all of which can contribute to a healthier heart.
Omega-3s may also have benefits for the brain. The brain is made up of about 60% fat, and omega-3s are an important component of the brain’s cell membranes. Studies have shown that omega-3s can improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of depression, and even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Finally, omega-3s may have benefits for eye health. The retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body and requires a steady supply of omega-3s to function properly. Studies have shown that omega-3s can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, a common cause of blindness in older adults.
What is the recommended intake?
For most of us, with myself included, getting the required amount of omega 3 fats from the diet, which is approximately 400mg-600mg can be a real challenge.
How can I increase my intake?
In an ideal world, we’d be consuming fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, trout, and tuna at least twice a week, as they are some of the best dietary sources of omega-3s. These fish are rich in both EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3s that have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving brain health, and reducing inflammation in the body. Walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds, as well as some plant oils, are good sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 that can be converted into EPA and DHA in the body.
As you can tell, omega-3 fatty acids offer numerous health benefits that make them an essential part of a healthy diet. Whether you get them from fatty fish or supplements, including omega-3s in your diet can reduce inflammation, support heart and brain health, and promote eye health.
Here at Pharma Plus, we have created a 1000mg Omega 3 supplement containing 500 mg EPA and 250 mg DHA, in the form of an easy-to-swallow capsule. Our products are created by Pharmacists, with you in mind. Knowing that these Omega 3’s are so beneficial, yet often lacking in our diets, we just had to include them in our range.
If you are concerned about your health, have a medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding, always check with your G.P., Pharmacist, or Dietician before taking a new supplement. Omega 3 supplements should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting a general practitioner or obstetric consultant along with a dietitian.
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