Omega 3 from fish oil � why is it essential for our health?

August 27, 2011 Jean Morgan Menopause, 0

Potent EPA and DHA

Omega-3s, most notably EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) � two main fatty acids derived from fish, have
been linked to a wide-range of health benefits, including reduced risk of certain cancers, good development of a baby during pregnancy, joint health, good cardiovascular health and improved behaviour and mood. There are also other well documented benefits such as: help in stroke prevention, lowering cholesterol levels, blood tinning properties etc. Further, there is some scientific evidence showing that high grade EPA has helped people suffering from:
Bipolar Disorder
PMS
ADHD
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME
Huntington�s Disease
Fibromyalgia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Schizophrenia.
In this article I would like to focus on some omega-3 advantages which may not be so popular and often lack attention in other authors� articles regarding omega-3 fish oil benefits.

Omega-3s – brain-supportive nutrients and anti-aging solution

Although a miracle anti-aging supplement doesn’t exist, there are nutrients which might be good components for the unique formula in the future. Let’s mention some nutrients with confirmed anti-aging benefits: coenzyme Q10, B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, B12, folic acid), antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, green tea), minerals (chromium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc). Unsaturated fatty acids (fish oil, but also vegetarian omega-3s, as flaxseed oil or echium oil) could also be included in that group. Many of these ingredients act in different ways to protect against the ravages of aging. However, clinical trials suggest that these nutrients are vital to brain health and might help protect against age-related cognitive decline. Apart from keeping the healthy brain functioning, omega-3 from properly purified fish oil is a wonderful addition to good skincare. There are many omega-3 enriched anti-wrinkle products. Have you wondered why? As the skin ages, the number of collagen and elastic fibres in the dermis decreases and the fat in the hypodermis beneath the skin gradually declines. As a result, the skin becomes less elastic and begins to sag and wrinkle. Studies suggest that EPA may benefit the skin by protecting against damage caused by UV radiation. It also promotes the production of collagen and elastic fibres in the dermis to actively combat skin wrinkling and sagging. It helps to boost circulation and improves the transport of oxygen to the skin, where it nourishes and detoxifies, to rejuvenate the skin.

Beautiful hair and nails

Many people suffer from frazzled hair and split ends or dry, splitting nails. There are supplements combining omega-3 EPA with other substances (like for example virgin evening primrose oil), which nourish the hair follicles and make the hair softer and shinier. They also nourish the nails, making them stronger and more resistant to breaking. Keeping good level of fatty acids in the body, may help to stop these problems, due to inherent moisturising and nourishing properties.

Healthy gums

Periodontitis is a common (and painful) inflammatory disease of the gums. It causes tissue to separate from teeth. That results in the accumulation of bacteria and potential bone and tooth loss. This chronic disease is often treated with strong antibiotics, mechanical scraping of the teeth and even surgically cutting away diseased gum tissue. A new study recently published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association shows that there is a natural way to prevent and also treat that serious condition � essential fats from fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties (mentioned earlier), which are so powerful in fighting gum disease.

Simple way to keep fit body

Young people may quite easily loose unwanted pounds simply by dieting and/or exercising. Taking omega-3 supplements may additionally improve the results, as they contain good fats which suppress appetite and therefore help to stabilize body weight. Those fats (omega-3 especially and also omega-6) increase body fat burning, so people might notice loosing weight in a short time. With age it becomes more difficult to get slim. A major reason why maturing humans accumulate excess body fat is that the aging process itself is associated with a dramatic drop in metabolic expenditure of energy (burning calories). This helps explain why dieting alone so often fails to provide long-term weight control, and why it is so critical for aging humans to boost resting metabolic rate if they are to lose significant body fat stores. Again the solution comes with enriching the diet with healthy unsaturated fats (from fish oil or flax seed, walnuts, sesame seeds etc).

Problems with sleep

According to some studies, fatty acids (especially EPA) may improve sleeping patterns in humans. After a few days to a few weeks of taking purified supplements with EPA some people experienced sleep that was much deeper and much more refreshing than they were used to.

How fatty acids help libido

Our brain in 60% is made of fats and half of these fats are omega-3 fats. Deficiency of long chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fats results in various neurobehavioral symptoms ranging from anxiety and depression, poor memory, lack of concentration, poor IQ to autism, dyslexia, Alzheimer�s disease, Bipolar Disorder, etc. It can also influence human libido. Linked closely to levels of hormones in the body, one’s libido can be affected by age, weight, diet and lifestyle factors (such as stress). Aside from the conventional medicines available which can have unpleasant side effects, there are a number of things people can do to improve their libido naturally. Low levels of omega acids in the body have been associated with hormone imbalances (specifically the sex hormone testosterone) and, in consequence, with low libido and poor sexual health. Supplementing diet with the right long-chain omega fats may help to correct any hormone imbalances and restore one’s sexual desire. Long-chain fatty acids are also the precursors of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins which (on a cellular level) regulate performance and potency-related functions in sexual health. Furthermore, essential fats are the building blocks for the production of female sex hormones. They also help women store more of the fat soluble vitamins (like E, D, K) that keep them sexually active, as well as providing moisture and softness which helps with typical menopausal symptom � vaginal dryness.

Can fish oil alleviate PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects most women of child-bearing age, most commonly in the two weeks prior to menstrual flow. Fatty acids in fish oil may be beneficial in helping to balance the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which are thought to be affected by the pre-menstrual fall in the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone prior to bleeding. These chemicals are responsible for the changes in mood. Omega-3s have ability to lower stress and ease menstrual cramps. Stress raises cortisol levels in the body. That may upset the normal balance of the mood-enhancing neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Supplementation with omega-3 can restore the balance to healthy levels, by reducing the amount of cortisol in the blood, thereby lifting one’s mood.

Body dysmorphic disorder � can it be controlled?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also known as dysmorphophobia, is a disorder consisting of a distressing and impairing preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance. Although BDD is relatively common it can often be unrecognised as the affected person is often secretive about their distress. Although BDD is technically a psychiatric disorder there are associations with decreased levels of serotonin � an important neurotransmitter in the brain associated with mood, sleep and appetite. EPA plays a vital role in the brain, remodelling neurons, improving blood flow to important areas of the brain.

Is there a cure for autism?

The neuro-developmental problems in autistic individuals may be caused by early exposure to toxins or a virus which over-stimulates an immune response. It is likely that this autoimmune response interferes with the development of myelin � the protective fatty acid layer which protects our nerves through the production of auto-antibodies directly targeted to myelin. If myelin in the brain doesn’t develop properly, nerve fibers aren�t able to function properly.There is no miracle cure for autism available. However, fatty acids offer two principal benefits in alleviating its symptoms. The first relates to the insulating myelin sheath which protects important nerve fibres, which are crucial for maintaining efficient signalling in the brain. When electrical signals slow down, brain function can become impaired. Supplementing the diet with the omega-3 EPA helps to rebuild the protective fatty acid layer surround nerve fibres, to allow efficient signalling. Secondly, autistic children tend to have elevated levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, high levels of which are associated with an overactive immune system and excess inflammation. EPA directly promotes the production of anti-inflammatory leukotrienes to counteract inflammatory leukotrienes which target areas of inflammation and help to restore balance.

I can�t guarantee that taking pure omega-3 from fish will cure everyone of their symptoms, but I know it could help and it will definitely improve general health. I would suggest trying it out, as many of us may find it�s just the thing for us. When asking for it, ensure what you are getting is high quality stuff. It might cost a little bit more, but it can do more in curing/alleviating the symptoms we try to fight. I hope this has helped.

Check out these sites for more menopause information

protective fatty acid
protective fatty acid
Premature ovarian failure - Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
Menopause and menopause treatments fact sheet | womenshealth ...
Menopause : Health A–Z Resources and Publications

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