What Are The Benefits Of Omega 3 Fats?

Fatty acids can be considered the major building blocks of fat. Fish oils contain substances called omega-3 fatty acids. The two most common and potent omega-3 fatty acids found in varying amounts in fish oils are eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. The body uses omega-3 fatty acids to synthesize protalgandins, substances that mediate a host of chemical processes. Regular consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids improves health and can protect against chronic disease. The Mayo Clinic recommends a daily intake of 0.8 to 1.1 grams.

Triglycerides

Hypertriglyceridemia is an abnormal concentration of triglyceride, or fat, in the blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, a normal triglyceride level is fewer than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A 2003 study published in the British Medical Journal found that a 4-gram daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids produced a 30 percent reduction in triglyceride levels. Omega-3 fatty acids can change the body's metabolism by lowering the rate at which the liver manufactures triglycerides.

Cardiovascular Disease

According to the Merck Manuel Home Edition, omega-3 fatty acids are proven lipid-lowering supplements, and a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Mechanisms underlying the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular disease can include the prevention of blood platelets from sticking together, a condition that can lead to the formation of blood clots in the coronary or carotid arteries that nourish the heart.

Cancer Prevention

Salmon, a concentrated source of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, has been studied for its anti-cancer benefits. According to a 2007 study published in the International Journal of Cancer, men who consumed salmon more than once a week were 43 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer compared with men who never ate salmon. There is also ongoing research examining omega-3 fatty acids' ability to reduce the risk of breast or colon cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Alzheimer's Disease

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive and behavioral function. A cohort of the 2006 Framingham Heart Study published in the Archives of Neurology reported that individuals with the highest blood content of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA had a 47 percent lower risk of developing dementia and a 39 percent decreased risk for Alzheimer's disease compared with those with lower blood levels of DHA.