Omega-3 fatty acids are critical to many aspects of health. They are classified as an essential fatty acid (EFA) since they are necessary for health and cannot be made by the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Unsaturated fatty acids are considered as “good” fats, as they can play an abundant of favourable roles within the body.
Omega 3 fatty acids are exceptionally important for brain health and can help to prevent and may help to treat some neurological conditions. Below includes 3 brain benefits of omega-3 fish oils.
- Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
Omega-3 is an essential component of serotonin, the hormone that has a key role in stabilizing our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Research suggests that individuals who supplement with omega-3s daily are less likely to develop a mood disorder, such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, individuals with a current mood disorder who start supplementing with omega-3s can potentially see an improvement in their symptoms.
- Improve eye health
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), one of the most important omega-3 fatty acid, is a major structural component of the retina, the part of the eye that receives light and converts this light into neural signals to send to the brain, enabling you to see. Consuming an adequate amount of omega-3 reduces the risk of macular degeneration (the macula is the part of the retina responsible for clear vision in your direct line of sight).
- Reduce inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of molecules and substances associated with inflammation, including inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines. This helps to prevent the production of amyloid-β plaques in the brain which can otherwise be detrimental to brain health.
- Prevent cognitive decline
A study found that omega-3 levels in the brain also helps to boost blood flow in the brain, which is linked to better performance in cognitive tasks. The same study also found that elderly patients without dementia, who consumed oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids, were less likely to suffer from cognitive decline than those who did not.
Sona Omega-3 Cholesterol Free, contains 1200mg of omega-3 per capsule, without the cholesterol. More specifically, it contains 360mg of omega 3 fatty acids, 200mg of EPA and 120mg of DHA to help maintain healthy brain function.
References
Ginty, A., & Conklin, S. (2015). Short-term supplementation of acute long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may alter depression status and decrease symptomology among young adults with depression: A preliminary randomized and placebo controlled trial. Psychiatry Research, 229(1-2), 485-489. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.05.072.
Hegarty, B., & Parker, G. (2013). Fish oil as a management component for mood disorders – an evolving signal. Current Opinion In Psychiatry, 26(1), 33-40. doi: 10.1097/yco.0b013e32835ab4a7.
Márquez-Balbás, G., Sánchez-Regaña, M., & Millet, U. (2011). Study on the use of omega-3 fatty acids as a therapeutic supplement in treatment of psoriasis. Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, 73. doi: 10.2147/ccid.s17220 x.
Mocking, R., Harmsen, I., Assies, J., Koeter, M., Ruhé, H., & Schene, A. (2016). Meta-analysis and meta-regression of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for major depressive disorder. Translational Psychiatry, 6(3), e756-e756. doi: 10.1038/tp.2016.29.