The health benefits of Omega 3
Various studies have reported significant benefits from the intake of Omega 3 fatty acids in fields as diverse as cardiology, neurology, oncology, chronic inflammatory pathologies, ophthalmology, pediatrics, gynecology, dermatology... Keep reading!
What is Omega 3?
Essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6) are vital for health because our bodies cannot produce them and we must obtain them externally through food. For the optimal functioning of many tissues in our body, such as the brain (which is composed of approximately 60% lipids and has a very high energy consumption rate), we need essential fatty acids. Of these, the most crucial are Omega 3.
Various basic, clinical, and epidemiological studies have reported significant benefits from the intake of Omega 3 fatty acids in fields as diverse as cardiology, neurology, oncology, chronic inflammatory pathologies, ophthalmology, pediatrics, gynecology, dermatology...
The three Omega 3 fatty acids
- Alpha-linolenic acid ALA
- Eicosapentaenoic acid EPA
- Docosahexaenoic acid DHA
EPA and DHA
Both EPA and its derivative DHA can be synthesized by our body from ALA, an essential fatty acid obtained through the foods we consume such as seeds, nuts, or oils. The body can convert some ALA into EPA and then into DHA, but only in amounts that are insufficient to meet our needs. Consequently, due to the low conversion efficiency and the importance of having DHA in our body, it is much more efficient to supply DHA through the diet, with fish or seafood intake, or directly through preformed supplements.
The benefits of DHA
Although DHA is found in most tissues, it can be located in high concentrations in the brain, retina, and other nervous tissues.
DHA plays a fundamental role in the maintenance, growth, and neuronal development. That is why numerous studies associate high DHA consumption with better mental capacities, reinforcing memory and learning ability.
In addition, we find this fatty acid in higher concentrations in the retina because it is involved in the regeneration and maintenance of visual tissues. Therefore, higher DHA intake implies an improvement in visual acuity and protection against ocular pathologies.
Considerable research indicates that adequate DHA intake during the stages of pregnancy and lactation, through diet or dietary supplement intake, generates high benefits for neonates, particularly in their cognitive and visual functions. Likewise, a high consumption of the same fatty acid can prevent these same functions from deteriorating during aging. Furthermore, it plays an important role in fertility as it enriches sperm quality and increases uterine blood flow, increasing the chances of conception.
DHA intake not only has positive effects in the areas explained above; it has also been shown to be beneficial for the prevention of cardiovascular pathologies. The fatty acid DHA not only helps reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood, but also reduces the risk of vascular hypertension and has antithrombin and vasodilator activity.
Finally, it plays a very important role in regulating the inflammatory response and the proper functioning of the immune system, thus contributing to the prevention of allergies and the control of autoimmune diseases.
