Omega-3 & Disease Prevention

Omega-3 fatty acids, or polyunsaturated fatty acids, are essential for maintaining good health and preventing disease. The body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids it needs, so you must include foods that contain them in your diet. Two 6-oz. servings of salmon contain more than 4 g of essential omega-3. Grapeseed oil, flax oil, nuts and various types of fish have adequate amounts of omega-3. These essential fatty acids are also available in supplement form.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Essential fatty acids strengthen and protect your cardiovascular system from a variety of illnesses. People who eat omega-3 fatty acids have lower levels of triglycerides and elevated levels of HDL cholesterol, or good cholesterol. Eating a diet rich in foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

You can also reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis when you include omega-3 in your diet, as it helps prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and reduced the chance of blood clots that could lead to a stroke, if they are allowed to reach the brain.

Diabetes

Omega-3 fatty acids promote the assimilation of sugar and strengthen the effects of insulin. These actions lower blood sugar levels and prevent diabetic complications. Omega-3 affect high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and its ability to lower triglyceride levels also help to keep diabetes under control. Omega-3 fatty acids work with selenium and vitamin D to stabilize your body's metabolism.

Certain types of omega-3, such as alpha-linolenic acid, do not offer the same benefits as other omega-3 fatty acids for people who have diabetes. Always consult your physician when changing your diet or adding supplements.

Osteoporosis

Bone density increases when you take omega-3 fatty acids along with omega 6 and 9 fatty acids. The combination of EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid strengthens bone and prevents bone loss as you get older. These fatty acids, especially those found in fish and salmon, are digested easily and your body can assimilate them quickly. Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet and establishing a routine exercise program will strengthen bones, tendons and tissue and prevent injury. Before beginning any exercise program, consult your physician.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although it won't stop the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, including adequate amounts of omega-3 in your diet will reduce the severity of many of its symptoms. In some cases, including a supplement that contains omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial. Stronger grip, increased walking pace and a reduction in joint pain and stiffness are benefits of increasing amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Salmon and other fish are also rich in vitamins A and D, which are essential for strengthening bone and other tissue.