Omega-3 fatty acids have been acclaimed by many to offer a multitude of health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, we have to get our omega-3's from dietary sources such as fish oils and certain plant and nut oils.
Multiple studies have provided evidence supporting omega-3's positive influence on heart health. Taking the recommended amounts of these fatty acids has been shown to lower bad cholesterol and raise good, as well as reduce the risk of death heart attack and abnormal heart rhythms and strokes in people with cardiovascular disease.
The University of Maryland Medical Center says that omega-3s are also important for proper cognitive and behavioral brain function. Further, they have been shown to reduce inflammation and are said to lower the risk of certain chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
The latest findings about fatty acids point to their ability to assist with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. A pill that's loaded with fatty acids and vitamin E may assist women experiencing these symptoms which include fatigue, mood swings, and tender breasts.
Still other benefits attributed to omega-3s include weight loss. They help reduce the levels of a key hormone known as leptin, which is important for regulating metabolism. People with low body fat tend to have low leptin concentrations. Also, some say they help with slowing the progression of Alzheimer's Disease.
Some fear that consuming too much fish may result in an overload of mercury. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) says that up to 12 oz per week of low-mercury fish like canned light tuna and salmon are safe.
