Omega-3 fatty acids are classed as an essential fatty acid (EFA) since they are necessary for health and cannot be made by the body. Thereby, omega-3 must be sourced from the diet.
While it is commonly known that omega-3s are instrumental for a healthy heart and brain, they are highly beneficial for our hair, skin, and nails.
In this article you can find:
- What are omega-3 fatty acids?
- How might omega-3 fatty acids benefit hair?
- How might omega-3 fatty acids benefit skin?
- How might omega-3 fatty acids benefit nails?
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Unsaturated fatty acids are considered as “good” fats, as they can play a number of favourable roles within the body such as increase HDL cholesterol levels (the “good” cholesterol), reduce inflammation, and regulate heart rhythms.
The three most important types of omega-3 fatty acids are ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapenataenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
ALA is found in plant foods such as flaxseeds, rapeseeds, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, perilla seeds, and walnuts. EPA and DHA are found in oily fish, such as salmon, fresh tuna, mackerel, and herring.
How might omega-3 fatty acids benefit hair?
Omega-3 has been found effective in reducing scalp irritation and flakiness due to its anti-inflammatory constituents which can soothe and moisturise a dry and irritated scalp. Moreover, omega-3 promotes the production of scalp oils which nourishes hair follicles, ultimately enhancing hair strength, elasticity, and shine, while also helping to prevent breakage and hair loss.
How might omega-3 fatty acids benefit skin?
Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce skin inflammation. As a result, adequate intake of the nutrient has shown to reduce the severity of blemishes, and even acne. A reduction in skin inflammation can also strengthen the skin’s ability to hold onto water by enhancing its barrier function.
How might omega-3 fatty acids benefit nails?
Like the hair, adequate omega-3 intake can enhance nail bed health by reducing inflammation. The fatty acids also provide the nails with moisture and lubrication, which contributes to healthy growth.
Sona Omega 3 Fish Oils contain 1000mg of fish oil per capsule, along with 100mg of DHA and 160mg of EPA. Whether you suffer from an irritated scalp, or dermatitis-prone skin, this supplement could be a beneficial addition to your diet.
References
- Ablon, G. (2015). A 3-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of an Extra-Strength Marine Protein Supplement to Promote Hair Growth and Decrease Shedding in Women with Self-Perceived Thinning Hair. Dermatology Research And Practice, 2015, 1-8. doi: 10.1155/2015/841570.
- Pilkington, S., Watson, R., Nicolaou, A., & Rhodes, L. (2011). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: photoprotective macronutrients. Experimental Dermatology, 20(7), 537-543. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01294.
- 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.
- Mori, T. (2014). Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: epidemiology and effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. Food Funct., 5(9), 2004-2019. doi: 10.1039/c4fo00393d.
- Neukam, K., De Spirt, S., Stahl, W., Bejot, M., Maurette, J., Tronnier, H., & Heinrich, U. (2011). Supplementation of Flaxseed Oil Diminishes Skin Sensitivity and Improves Skin Barrier Function and Condition. Skin Pharmacology And Physiology, 24(2), 67-74. doi: 10.1159/000321442.
- Rubin, M., Kim, K., & Logan, A. (2008). Acne vulgaris, mental health and omega-3 fatty acids: a report of cases. Lipids In Health And Disease, 7(1), 36. doi: 10.1186/1476-511x-7-36.
- Schuchardt, J., Schneider, I., Meyer, H., Neubronner, J., von Schacky, C., & Hahn, A. (2011). Incorporation of EPA and DHA into plasma phospholipids in response to different omega-3 fatty acid formulations - a comparative bioavailability study of fish oil vs. krill oil. Lipids In Health And Disease, 10(1), 145. doi: 10.1186/1476-511x-10-145.