The body needs a variety of nutrients and minerals to perform the biological processes necessary for life. Fat, in the form of fatty acids, is one of the required nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids are among the best fatty acids for the body. A healthy diet should have adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids to ensure proper growth and development.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. This means that the body requires these fatty acids, but lacks the ability to produce them. Common omega-3 fatty acids include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). You can find these acids in cold-water fish such as salmon and tuna, and in different kinds of nuts. There are also supplements that can provide you with the recommended amounts of these fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are important in numerous physiologic mechanisms and can help prevent disease.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common cause of heart and blood vessel disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to cause a small decrease in blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. DHA may be more effective than EPA in lowering blood pressure. However, a health care provider should be consulted before you drastically increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids you ingest, because there may be associated side effects.
Cardiac Disease
Omega-3 fatty acids have proven beneficial in patients with heart disease, notes an article entitled Omega-3 Fatty Acids in a 2004 issue of American Family Physician. Patients, with heart disease who increased their intake of omega-3 fatty acids over an extended period of time exhibited a drastic decrease in the risk of sudden death caused by their disease. The reduction of sudden death in these patients was 45 percent and overall mortality rate decreased by 20 percent.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that occurs when your immune system slowly damages your body's joints. Symptoms include pain when moving the joints and swelling of the affected body part. Often patients with this disease take mild pain relievers that can lead to stomach pain and ulcers. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Patients consuming high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may be able to reduce their intake of pain relievers. However, just like the pain relievers, omega-3 fatty acids do not cure rheumatoid arthritis, but rather reduce the symptoms of pain and swelling.
Cholesterol and Fat Levels
High fat and cholesterol levels are dangerous to patients with diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or hypertension. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood, reports the Mayo Clinic. The more omega-3 fatty acids consumed the greater the reduction in fat and cholesterol. However, too much omega-3 fatty acid intake can increase your risk of developing a bleeding disorder.
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