Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils appear to have myriad positive effects in the body, fighting ailments from cardiovascular disease and arthritis to Alzheimer’s and depression, according to a new article from the Osceola Sentinel-Tribune, Iowa. The article noted both fish oil and krill oil are good sources of the long-chain omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) associated with health benefits.
One of the biggest areas of investigation, according to the article, is heart health. Fish oil has been shown to decrease the risk of irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), reduce blood pressure, help thin the blood and positively affect blood fats—reducing triglycerides and helping increase levels of beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
The brain also benefits from fish oil, even while in utero. The article noted 70 percent of a newborn’s brain, retina and nervous system is composed of DHA and EPA, meaning supplementation during pregnancy can support healthy growth of the child. Later in life, EPA and DHA appear to fight mood disorders such as depression, and may also help fight the build-up of plaques in the brain that are associated with development of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, fish oil appears to support the strength of blood vessels and healthy circulation to the eyes, which may help fight age-related macular degeneration.
A more recent area of investigation is in breast cancer. The Sentinel-Tribune reported a recent study in Seattle found women taking fish oil supplements were 32 percent less likely to develop invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer; although there was no affect on lubular cancer incidence, there is a follow-up study looking at the association.
When it comes to getting more fish oil, eating fish twice a week is one option and supplements are another. The article suggests starting at a level of 300 to 500 mg/d and increasing the dosage slowly, and also purchasing high-grade, pure fish oil with certification such as USP approval. It concluded adding more omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil into the diet may be a simple, affordable way to proactive enhance good physical and mental health now and in the future.