From heart health to brain function, from body slimming to youthful-looking skin, from heart health to brain function, from eye health to joint pain relief, research has shown that supplementing the diet with optimal amounts of the correct type of omega-3s can make a positive impact on nearly all key areas of human health. Below we give you 8 research-verified, life-changing health benefits of adding adequate amounts of omega-3s to your diet.
Firstly, What are Omega-3s?
Omega-3s is a short name for omega-3 essential fatty acids (also called n-3 fats and ω-3 fatty acids). Omega-3s are a special family of healthy polyunsaturated fats that are called essential because the body cannot make them from scratch: they must be obtained from food or through dietary supplementation.[1. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/omega-3-fats] The two most important omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), also plays a role in health.
8 Reasons, Verified by Research, That You Should Be Supplementing Your Diet With EPA and DHA Omega-3s
1. Heart Health: Omega-3s Can Reduce Risk Factors For Heart Disease
Heart disease is the world’s #1 killer according to the World Health Organization.[2. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs310/en/] Omega-3s have been shown to lower triglycerides, a risk factor for heart disease.[3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16879829] [4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7698053] Research has also shown omega-3s can reduce other risk factors for heart disease by lowering blood pressure, increasing levels of the “good” cholesterol, HDL, preventing blood clots, preventing plaque in the arteries and preventing hardening of the arteries.[5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16841857] [6. http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/85/5/1267.long] [7. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/heart/prevention/nutrition/food-choices/omega-3-fatty-acids] [8. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids]
2. Weight Loss / Obesity
The presence of Omega-3s has a profound influence on whether dietary carbohydrates and sugars are used as energy or stored as fat. Through lipogenesis, (lipo = fat, genesis = beginning or creation of) sugars, glucose and carbohydrates (potential energy sources) are converted to stored fat.[9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipogenesis] Omega-3s inhibit lipogenesis and the build-up of new fat specifically by suppressing the function of a protein called SREBP-1.[10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16187707]
3. Depression and Mood
Major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States.[11. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/major-depression-among-adults.shtml ] An estimated one in five Americans has experienced depression or another type of mood disorder, like bipolar illness, and approximately 21 million Americans each year suffer from a mood disorder. Depression is the top predicting factor for suicide.[12. “Depression Facts.” National Network of Depression Centers. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.nndc.org/the-facts>.]
Scientific research has linked low levels of omega-3s in the diet to depression.[13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17685742] Additional studies have shown omega-3 supplementation to reduce symptoms in those diagnosed with major depression.[14. Su et al. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Major Depressive Disorder.”European Neuropsychopharmacology. Elsevier Inc., Aug. 2003. Web. <http://www.europeanneuropsychopharmacology.com/article/S0924-977X(03)00032-4/abstract>.] EPA has been shown to be the most effective omega-3 when it comes to relieving depression,[15. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22910528] with one study of 60 outpatients revealing EPA to be as effective as the popular antidepressant drug, fluoxetine, (tradename Prozac).[16. Jazayeri et al. “Comparison of Therapeutic Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid EPA.”Taylor & Francis. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 2008. Web. 12 Feb. 2016. <http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00048670701827275>.]
4. Vision Loss and Blindness: Omega-3s Can Help Protect Against Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration can lead to blurred vision and legal blindness. With more than 10 million American sufferers, it affects a greater number of people than cataracts and glaucoma combined.[17. “What Is Macular Degeneration?” America Macular Degeneration Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2016. <https://www.macular.org/what-macular-degeneration>.] Macular degeneration, influenced by race, genetics, smoking and diet, is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina. It is the leading cause of vision loss and considered an incurable eye disease.[18. “What Is Macular Degeneration?” America Macular Degeneration Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2016. <https://www.macular.org/what-macular-degeneration>.] Studies have linked low levels of the two most important omega-3s, EPA and DHA, with age-related macular degeneration.[19. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24557349] Essential fatty acids, like omega-3s, play a critical role in maintaining the structure and function of the retina.[20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15812120] [21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15555528]
5. Omega-3s Can Improve Brain Function Through All Stages of Life
The omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenonic acid) has been shown to improve brain function during the middle stages of adulthood.[22. Muldoon. “Serum Phospholipid Docosahexaenonic Acid Is Associated with Cognitive Functioning during Middle Adulthood.” American Society for Nutrition (n.d.): n. pag. 2010. Web. <http://jn.nutrition.org/content/early/2010/02/24/jn.109.119578.abstract>] In the early stages of life, DHA can be particularly important; one study determined that DHA supplementation during pregnancy can improve a child’s IQ by age 4.[23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12509593/] Other research has shown that supplementing the diet with the omega-3, EPA, can decrease the symptoms of ADHD in children.[24. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21961774] Omega-3 fatty acids are not only highly concentrated in the brain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, but they are also important for memory, brain performance and behavioral function.[25. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids]
6. Cancer: Lowering The Risks with Omega-3s
In 2016, the National Cancer Institute is estimating that more than 1.6 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, with the most common types being cancer of the breast, lung, prostate, colon, thyroid, pancreas, bladder and melanoma of the skin.[26. http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/statistics] Diets high in omega-3s have been associated with lower rates of numerous forms of cancer.[27. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids] A European study involving 1455 subjects found that omega-3 supplementation can lower colon cancer risks by greater than 50%.[28. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17493949] Other research has led to the recommendation of omega-3s for breast cancer prevention and improved survival.[29. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4418048/] While maintaining a diet with adequate levels of omega-3s may reduce risk factors for all forms of cancer, scientific studies have associated the strongest links with omega-3 supplementation and decreased risk factors for these forms of cancer: colon, prostate and breast cancer.
7. Joint Health & Arthritis: Omega-3s Can Relieve The Pain and Suffering
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. suffer from arthritis, making it the leading cause of disability in America.[30. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis] Supplementing with omega-3s can relieve arthritis symptoms; the most common of which include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Inflammation is the root of many health problems, including progressive joint decline; omega-3s consistently demonstrate properties that help suppress inflammation.[31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21784145] [32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16841861] [33. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15698426] People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, a type of chronic inflammatory disorder, can find relief through omega-3 supplementation. Long-term research has shown that symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be “significantly” reduced by daily supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids.[34. Geusens, MD, et al. “Long-term Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Arthritis & Rheumatism 31 (n.d.): 824-29.American College of Rheumatology. Web. <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.1780370608/abstract>.]
8. Want Beautiful, Youthful-Looking Skin? Omega-3s Can Offer Amazing, Natural Support
If you want soft, moist, smooth and youthful looking skin, then feed it well with ample omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are responsible for the health of the cell membrane, which not only acts as the barrier that protects the skin from harmful elements and toxins, but also the passageway for vital nutrients to come in and waste products to go out.[35. http://www.webmd.com/beauty/skin/want-healthy-skin-feed-well] In order to prevent the appearance of aging on the epidermis (the outer layer of skin), it’s important to take care of the health of the dermis (lower layers of skin). The dermis relies on collagen to support the epidermis. Essential fatty acids have a protecting effect on dermal collagen that lessens UV-induced photoaging.[36. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrients-health/skin-health/nutrient-index/essential-fatty-acids] Dermatologist, Nicholas Perricone, MD, says that omega-3s do even more than just protect the structure and health of cell membranes; omega-3s reduce the body’s production of inflammatory chemicals tied to the aging process that affect how healthy the skin looks and feels.[37. Perricone, Nicholas, MD. The Wrinkle Cure: Unlock the Power of Cosmeceuticals for Supple, Youthful Skin. Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 2000. Print.]
Why Choose Evergenics Super Premium Omega 3 Fish Oil?
Our all-natural, Super Premium Omega 3 fish oil supplement is made from 100% wild caught fish, from the purest waters in the world. Customers love the fact that our formula has no fishy after taste! Instead, our softgels have a pleasant, natural lemon flavor. Each serving of Evergenics Super Premium Omega 3 Fish Oil is bursting with 1,500mg of natural omega-3 fatty acids, with 800mg EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 600mg DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
When it comes to choosing a healthy and effective means of supplementing your diet with omega-3s, the quality and purity of ingredients should come first. Our formula is tested thoroughly for heavy metals and undergoes and extensive and comprehensive distillation process. When you take Evergenics Super Premium Omega 3 Fish Oil, you can absolutely trust that you are supplementing your diet with the highest-quality product you can buy that is all-natural, made in America and derived from 100% pure, wild-caught fish.
