Omega-3 Uses

Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in health and prevention of disease. Omega-3 fats come from foods such as fish oil and certain plant and nut oils, according to MayoClinic.com. Fish oil contains two types of omega-3 fats, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA that are used to reduce inflammation and lower risk of heart disease, arthritis and cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Heart Disease

Heart disease, particularly from coronary artery disease and hypertension, is the leading cause of mortality in the United States, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. People who eat diets high in omega-3 fatty acids tend to have increased HDL-cholesterol, the good cholesterol, and low triglyceride levels in the blood, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Moreover, these diets can lower risk of abnormal heart rhythms, atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke and death. Research by A. Hauenschild published in "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism" in 2010 demonstrates that an omega-3 fatty acid rich diet can lower plasma triglyceride levels who are at risk for coronary artery disease and stroke. Intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements exhibit beneficial effects on total and cardiovascular disease mortality, according to research by J. de Leiris, published in the "Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology" in 2009. The University of Maryland Medical Center says walnuts, a rich source of an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha linolenic acid, can lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol levels.

Arthritis

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Research by A.A. Berbert published in "Nutrition" in 2005 discovered that fish oil omega-3 fatty acids reduce joint pain intensity, stiffness and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The results are more pronounce when fish oil supplements are combined with olive oil. Dietary supplements of omega-3 fatty acids taken daily, particularly in minimum doses of 3g of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, reduces the number of tender joints and amount of morning stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to research by J.M. Kremer published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2000. Furthermore, the research found that some patients taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements were able to lower or discontinue their doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or disease modifying anti-rheumatic medications.

Cancer

Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of cancer, particularly of the breast, colon and prostate, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Research by J. Kim published in "BioMed Central Cancer" in 2009 discovered that intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish is inversely associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk. According to research by T. Kato published in "Nutrition and Cancer" in 2007, docosahexaenoic acid from golden algae oil suppresses tumors and inhibits human colon cancer growth