Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that your body cannot produce or convert from other fats, so you must obtain these fats from food sources or supplements. These fatty acids are primarily found in the oils of fatty fish such as tuna, salmon and halibut. However, they are also available in foods such as kelp, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds and walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids may have several benefits for the human body.
Brain Function
Docosahexaenoic acid is a type of omega-3 fatty acid primarily found in fish oil. DHA is found in high concentrations in the brain, and deficiencies of this fatty acid are associated with learning deficits, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. DHA may improve the function of brain receptors that receive impulses from your nervous system. It may also increase the availability of neurotransmitter chemicals that support cognitive function and mood.
Heart Health
Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, coupled with a diet low in saturated fats and trans fats, may help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid may help decrease blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may help prevent arterial blockages that reduce blood flow through your circulatory system. DHA and EPA, then, may help decrease strain on your heart and reduce the risk of blockages that can trigger stroke.
Inflammation Reduction
Omega-3 fatty acids may offer anti-inflammatory benefits, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They may help reduce joint inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes pain, stiffness and deterioration of the joints. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce intestinal inflammation caused by gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, thereby helping to reduce abdominal pain and improve the elimination of wastes from your body.
Retinal Development
DHA may help support retinal development in children, which may prevent permanent vision problems, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. This fatty acid is found in high concentrations in the retinas of the eyes, which receive light stimuli. DHA may also improve the regeneration of rhodopsin, a chemical in the human eye that aids in the conversion of light stimuli into visual images in the brain.
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