Benefits Of Omega-3 Fish Oil For Weight Loss

Omega-3 has many benefits for weight loss. Known as an essential fatty acid, omega-3 comes from either fish or flaxseed oil (vegetarian source). Many athletes and trainees do not get enough of this important nutrient in their diets. And, supplementing with omega-3 may speed up your weight loss results.

Glucose Metabolism

Omega-3 fish oil improves glucose metabolism, specifically by blunting the release of insulin with carbohydrate ingestion. A fat storage hormone, insulin shuttles nutrients into muscle and fat tissue and high levels of it can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Fat Burning

Fish oil contains a chemical known as DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, which directly alters metabolism toward fat oxidation and lipolysis (fat burning). Having more polyunsaturated (omega-3) lipids in the blood may also prompt the body to use more of its own fat stores for energy.

Prevents Fat Storage

Aside from its effect on insulin, fish oil may also inhibit the enzyme needed for lipid synthesis or body fat production. Moreover, DHA prevents fatty acids from entering adipose (fat) tissue.

Increased Leptin

Omega-3 boosts leptin levels. Leptin plays an important role in directly burning fat, as well as signaling the brain of satiety. Not only does that make you burn more fat, but it may also keep you from over-eating.

Anti-inflammatory

Fish oil has a natural anti-inflammatory effect and can directly treat muscle and joint pain. Since nothing can keep you from physical activity like chronic pain, omega-3 may help you get a good workout pain-free.

Mental Focus

Omega-3 helps maintain brain health because it makes up the raw materials that our brain uses to construct its myelin sheath. This coating of fat allows electrical pulses to jump from neuron to neuron, making your brain work more efficiently. Mental focus proves very important, especially when dieting and training intensely.

Oxygen Usage

Omega-3 fish oil also improves oxygen usage in the body. Since oxygen represents a limiting factor in aerobic respiration, muscle performance and energy production, it makes sense that this could improve athletic performance and weight loss.