Health Tips > Vitamin Aisle > 7 Reasons to Get Enough Heart-Healthy Omega-3 in Your Diet

7 Reasons to Get Enough Heart-Healthy Omega-3 in Your Diet

Do you know that omega-3s have terrific cardiovascular benefits—and so much more? We advocate the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids though supplements, as well as food (such as salmon and other fatty cold water fish). Read seven reasons to take omega-3.

Triglycerides. According to a number of studies, omega-3 supplements can lower elevated triglyceride levels. Having high levels of this blood fat is a risk factor for heart disease

Rheumatoid arthritis. A number of studies have found that omega-3 supplements significantly reduced stiffness and joint pain. Omega-3 supplements also seem to boost the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs and can reduce the doses of drugs needed.

Depression. People are looking for nutritional support to help them stay emotionally balanced and clinical studies support the use of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, some researchers have found that cultures that eat large amounts of seafood with high levels of omega-3s (from fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and anchovies) have lower levels of depression. Omega-3s also seem to boost the effects of antidepressants. And, higher levels of omega-3s may help reduce the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder. Of course, studies also show that 30 minutes of vigorous exercise can also put you in a good mood and stave off depression!

Pre-and Postnatal Health. Women who are expecting need omega-3s during pregnancy—especially during the last three months—for the normal and healthy development of their baby’s brain and eyes. Women who breastfeed their infants pass the omega-3 fatty acids on to their babies and support their brain development. (There’s also research that suggest that women with higher omega-3 levels have lower risk for postpartum depression.)

Asthma. Evidence suggests that a diet high in omega-3s reduces inflammation, a key component in asthma.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. DHA (one of the long chain omega-3s, the other being EPA) is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the human brain. Poor memory has been associated with low concentration of DHA. People with a high level of DHA have a reduced risk of developing all-cause dementia. Studies also show that people who have a high intake of fish and omega-3s have less decline in brain function as they age.

Eye Health. Good eyesight is an essential part of our quality of life as we grow older. Omega-3 DHA is a major structural and functional component of the retina and is in need of constant replenishment due to stress in those cells.

Even if you just take omega-3s for heart health you are doing yourself a favor. Cardiovascular disease is the world's number one killer, leading to at least 17 million deaths a year. As the first sign of heart disease for many Americans is sudden death, this alone is a great reason to take your omega-3s today!

For more information about supplements contact your physician.

Article provide by Jill Turner, President, Cooper Concepts Inc.