What if I told you there was a one-ingredient supplement you can purchase that supports heart health, healthy brain function, joint flexibility, nervous system health, eye health, healthy  immune system function, and skin health, just to name a few? 

Now what if I told you that although this supplement is on the market and easily accessible, a 2012 National Health Interview Survey indicated that only 7.8% of adults were incorporating it into their diets?

This seemingly magical supplement is Omega-3, commonly found in fish oil and nuts, and the benefits listed above are no exaggeration. While the vast majority of adults continue to be deficient in Omega-3, more and more studies are showing the incredible health benefits the supplement can provide to our skin, eyes, heart, joints, brain, and more. While the fatty acids can have a huge benefit on hair, skin, nails, eyes, and the digestive system, its real superpower lies in its ability to support cardiovascular, cognitive, and joint health:

Cardiovascular Health:

Many studies on diets and the benefits of Omega-3 have shown a strong link between the supplement and a decrease in fatal heart diseases. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, Omega-3 fats also lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve blood vessel function, and, at higher doses, may ease inflammation and lower triglycerides, which contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls that can restrict blood flow). 

Cognitive Health:

Much like the studies on cardiovascular health and Omega-3, research evidence points to the supplement also supporting cognitive health in people across an entire lifespan--ranging from children to the elderly. Not only do Omega 3 fatty acids play a critical role in the development and function of the central nervous system, a deficit of the fatty acids have also been linked to contribute to mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder. 

Joint Health and Mobility:

While cardiovascular and cognitive health are key to the overall health of the human body, Omega-3’s support of joint health and mobility tend to be the benefits most noticed by avid supplement takers. In the multitude of studies conducted on fish oil’s effect on general joint health, many findings strongly indicate that intake of omega-3 fatty acids is highly effective on inflammatory and neuropathic pain. This can include symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and carpal tunnel syndrome, just to name a few. Many of the participants from a 2012 study on the effects of EPA/DHA supplements reported that when they were taking fish oil they had decreased joint swelling and pain, briefer morning stiffness, and less need for anti-inflammatory drugs to control their symptoms.

 

Obviously the benefits of these fatty acids are hard to deny. Before you run out and buy the first bottle of fish oil you can find at your local drug store, be warned: not all Omega-3 supplements are created the same. 

When looking for an Omega-3 supplement, it is crucial to ensure you are buying something that includes both EPA and DHA. EPA, or alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and DPA, docosahexaenoic acid. These are two of the most prominent omega-3 fatty acids, and a diet with sufficient amounts of both of these acids are necessary to reap the full benefits of the supplement. 

If you are interested in joining the 7.8% of American adults who take Omega-3’s, make sure to invest in a high potency EPA and DHA OMEGA III fish oil like this one


https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/omega-3-fats/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/omega-3-fatty-acid

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-omega-fatty-acids

March 10, 2021 — Dr. Jason Olafsson