Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in your overall health, ranging from brain function to heart health. Omega-3 acids, especially the foundational Alpha-linolenic acid, can be found in many foods including flax, walnuts, leafy green vegetables and most fish, such as tuna, salmon and halibut. Once ingested, these acids go to work in your body to help keep you healthy.
Brain Function
One benefit of omega-3 fatty acids is the crucial role they play in brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids make up the membrane of your brain cells that helps provide protection and function to the interior of the cell. Omega-3 also helps form your eye's photo receptors which convert light into biological processes that allow your brain to process the image of what you're seeing.
Cholesterol
Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to reduce levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides states the Mayo Clinic. As omega-3 lowers triglyceride levels it raises the levels of HDL "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is responsible for transporting LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream, reducing your overall bad cholesterol levels.
Arterial Plaque
As LDL cholesterol is reduced by omega-3s, the risks of developing arterial plaque are also reduced. Arterial plaque forms when excess LDL cholesterol is present in your blood vessels. The excess cholesterol sticks to the walls of the vessels and calcifies into a hard substance called plaque, which can block the flow of blood through your body and can eventually lead to heart disease.
Blood Pressure
Eating foods containing omega-3 has also been shown to lower blood pressure in patients with untreated hypertension, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you do not like fish, UMMC recommends taking three or more grams of fish oil daily to benefit from omega-3's blood pressure lowering effects.
Inflammation
Inflammation is an important tool that the body uses to protect the body, but chronic inflammation can actually damage tissues and contribute to chronic diseases, including arthritis, heart disease and even cancer, states Ascenta Health. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the release of substances associated with inflammation, helping prevent or reduce inflammation from occurring.
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