Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids which are necessary for health. The body cannot make them so they must be consumed in the diet. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, there are two kinds of omega-3s. One is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), found in soybean and canola oils, walnuts and flaxseed. The other is made up of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and is found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines and albacore tuna. Research indicates omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in several areas of human health, many of which are of particular concern to the elderly.
Coronary Artery Disease
High cholesterol, low high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and high triglycerides contribute to coronary artery disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people who eat a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids have high HDL, the so-called "good" cholesterol, and lower triglycerides. In addition, studies show triglyceride levels drop with the use of fish oil supplements. There also is some evidence that walnuts, which contain ALA, lower total cholesterol and triglycerides.
High Blood Pressure
Along with high cholesterol, hypertension is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that several studies indicate omega-3s consumed in the diet or through supplements lower blood pressure.
Heart Attack
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, several studies showed a lower incidence of heart attack among people who often ate fish high in omega-3s or took supplements. There also is evidence that risk of sudden cardiac death is reduced. This may be due to omega-3s reducing the excitability of cardiac muscle cells, thereby reducing the occurrence of fatal arrhythmia.
Stroke
Omega-3 intake is believed to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke, which occurs when a clot blocks an artery in the brain. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It is known that omega-3s can prolong coagulation time, essentially meaning they can act as a blood thinner. This could explain why they seem to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke, but not the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which is a bleed in the brain. Research shows taking up to 3 g per day does not pose a risk of significant bleeding. However, if a person is on blood-thinning medications, it is advisable to discuss omega-3s with a doctor before beginning the use of supplements.
Arthritis
In the "old days," cod liver oil was promoted as an arthritis medication. It contains omega-3s which, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, do seem to help the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. There is no evidence omega-3s cure either form of arthritis, but benefits include reduced joint pain and stiffness.
Alzheimer's and Dementia
The Linus Pauling Institute reports several studies showing people with higher levels of omega-3s, especially DHA, have a lower incidences of Alzheimer's disease. Studies also show a lower incidence of other forms of dementia when DHA levels are high.
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