Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid the body cannot produce. Common food sources of omega-3 include cold-water fish such as salmon, halibut, tuna, mackerel and sardines, as well as pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds and walnuts. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid the body cannot produce. Common food sources of omega-3 include cold-water fish such as salmon, halibut, tuna, mackerel and sardines, as well as pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds and walnuts. Omega-3 oil capsules are another option for supplementation. Be sure to contact your doctor about possible drug interactions supplementation of this fatty acid can cause, and to ensure proper dosing. Omega-3 has many important health implications; for instance, it is required for healthy brain function and cellular growth and development.
Heart Disease
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one of the most common ways to prevent heart disease is to eat a diet low in saturated fats and high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce high cholesterol and lower blood pressure through their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 can also treat atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, by slowing the development of clots and plaque buildup. Omega-3 lowers the levels of fats in the blood and lowers the risk of death, stroke and abnormal heart rhythms in those who have already had a heart attack, according to the center.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation in the joints or the entire body. According to a study published in the January 2000 issue of "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," omega-3 supplementation can relieve common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as morning stiffness and joint pain. Because of this relief, individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may be able to lower their doses of some pain medications. Omega-3 treats only the symptoms of this disease; it does not slow its progression or heal joint damage.
Mental Disorders
Omega-3 fatty acids have potential applications for depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. According to a study published in the March 2009 issue of "Nutrition Reviews," participants who took omega-3 supplements along with antidepressant prescription medications had marked improvements in mood and behavior over those who took antidepressants alone. This result also occurred regarding bipolar disorder and participants who took omega-3 along with their bipolar disorder prescription medications. Schizophrenia patients' symptoms also improved when they were treated with omega-3 supplementation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has substantiated none of these results.
Cancer
Some evidence exists that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the occurrences of breast, colon and prostate cancer in certain populations. Women who eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids seem to have less risk of developing breast cancer. Populations such as the Eskimos, who have diets rich in omega-3, show low occurrence rates of colon cancer. Population studies of men eating diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids also show a low occurrence rate of prostate cancer. More studies are needed to solidify the link between omega-3 fatty acids and decreased cancer rates.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- MedlinePlus: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- "Nutrition Reviews"; Major Depressive Disorder and Nutritional Medicine: a Review of Monotherapies and Adjuvant Treatments; J. Sarris, et al.; March 2009
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; N-3 Fatty Acid Supplements in Rheumatoid Arthritis; Joel Kremer; January 2000
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