The Function of Omega-3 in the Body
Omegas are a group of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, the most familiar of which is omega-3. Omega-3 is known as an essential fatty acid and plays an important role in the human body. The human brain is about 66% fat in its tissue composition, and about 20% of that fat is omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in functions from metabolism to the immune response to the transmission of hormones to various organs and tissues. The body does not create omega-3, which requires that we get it in food.
Taking Omega-3 has a great number of benefits. One of these is that it may improve symptoms of depression. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world. Symptoms
often include:
− Sadness and a general low mood
− A desire to withdraw
− Lack of interest in activities, even favored ones
− Lack of energy
Anxiety is another common mental disorder and often presents with depression. Symptoms include feelings of fear, restlessness, and worry that will not go away. Research posits that people who regularly consume omega-3 are less likely to suffer from depression and may find that their symptoms improve after adding omega-3 to their diets.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder commonly displayed in
ways like these:
− Impulsivity
− Inattention
− Hyperactivity
− Lack of focus
Research suggests that children with ADHD have lower levels of omega-3 in their blood, and that supplementation with omega-3 could help improve task completion and focus.
Low levels of omega-3 have been noted in people with other psychiatric disorders as well, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Omega-3 supplements are being studied to see if they can help improve symptoms of these psychiatric disorders in ways like decreasing violent
behavior.
The elderly population globally and in the United States is growing rapidly. It is expected to double in size by 2050, and the global population of elderly people is expected to reach 1.5
billion. A nutritious diet is essential for healthy aging, and omega-3 is part of what comprises that. Omega-3 fatty acids help preserve the structure of fibers in the brain that are vulnerable to aging and help to slow white matter degeneration. When studied, people with higher levels of omega-3 performed better on tests of memory and processing speed, as well as displaying greater brain volume. More studies are underway to determine the extent of the influence of omega-3 on delaying cognitive decline.
Ensuring that there is enough omega-3 in one’s diet is especially important during pregnancy.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for factors like these:
− Brain growth
− Decreased risk of developmental delay
− Improved cognitive development
− Less chance of behavioral problems
− Better communication skills
Heart disease manifesting as maladies like heart attack and strokes is one of the most common causes of death.
Omega-3 consumption is linked to better heart health in ways like these:
− Raising HDL (healthy) cholesterol levels
− Preventing blood platelets from clumping together, reducing the risk of clots
− Omega-3 reduces the body’s inflammation response
− Reducing the levels of triglycerides, a type of fat that can accumulate in the heart
To get more omega-3 in your diet, the best source is fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and sardines. Plant sources like vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds are dependable sources of omega-3 as well but are more difficult for the body to use. Always talk with your general physician before you begin any new diet change or regimen.
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