- Fish oil supplements, which are strong in omega-3 fatty acids, have long been linked to improved heart health.
- A recent study has sparked debate by raising the potential that these supplements are as hazardous as previously believed.
What are Omega-3 fatty acids?
- Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) are polyunsaturated fats that play vital roles in the human body.
- There are three primary forms of omega-3 fatty acids:
- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid). EPA is known as “marine omega-3” since it is present in fish.
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). DHA is a marine omega-3 found in fish.
- ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid). Plants contain omega-3 in the form of ALA.
- When we consume ALA, our bodies convert some of it into EPA and then DHA. However, this mechanism only produces a modest quantity of EPA and DHA. Therefore, dietary supplies of EPA and DHA (such as fish) are needed.
Functions of Omega-s fatty acids:
- They contribute to the structure of cells and facilitate their interactions.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in cells of the human eye and brain.
- They supply energy (calories) to the human body and promote the health of several physiological systems. These include the human cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
Significance of Omega-3 fatty acids:
- Omega-3 fatty acids help improve cardiovascular health.
- One significant advantage is that they help reduce human triglyceride levels.
- Too many triglycerides in human blood (hypertriglyceridemia) increases the risk of atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. So it’s critical to keep triglyceride levels under control.
- Omega-3s may benefit humans by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing blood pressure.
- According to certain research, omega-3s may reduce human risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), decreasing the chance of sudden death caused by an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and blood clots.
- Beyond heart health, omega-3s may help lessen the human risk of acquiring some types of cancer, such as breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia, as well as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Research is ongoing into these and other potential advantages.
Source: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/#:~:text=DHA%20levels%20are%20especially%20high,of%20hormone%2Dproducing%20glands).