The Benefits of Supplements - Omega 3

Did you know that supplements are a great way to ensure that your body is working at its optimal performance!

But what benefits are there to taking different supplements? Since every supplement isn't composed of the same things, each one has a different bonus for your body. In this blog, we tackle Omega-3: what it is, why it's important, and why taking it as a supplement might be a good idea!

What is Omega-3?

Omega-3, also known as Omega-3 Fatty Acids, is a vital group of unsaturated essential fats that play a key role in maintaining our overall health - particularly our heart, brain and metabolism. The human body doesn't naturally produce these fatty acids, so ensuring they are included in our diets is crucial.

As our bodies can't produce them naturally, we have to make sure we can get Omega-3 from the foods we eat. Oily fish, like salmon or tuna, is a great way to introduce more Omega-3 into your diet, and many nuts and seeds are also a great source of these essential fats.

While there are a number of Omega-3 Fatty Acids out there, the 3 most crucial for us are:

• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)

  EPA is key in producing chemicals which help reduce inflammation, and some sources suggest that it may also help reduced symptoms of depression.

  
  

• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

  It is thought DHA makes up about 8% of the whole weight of the brain, and is known to aid brain function and development.

  
  

• Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA)

  We can convert ALA into small amounts of EPA & DHA when we need to! It is also thought to be a factor in maintaining a healthy heart, as well as strong immune and nervous systems.

Benefits of Omega-3

One of Omega-3's standout benefits is its role in eye health. Omega-3 is a major component of your retina, and some studies suggest it may help prevent eye degeneration, potentially reducing the risk of vision issues and blindness.

It has also been suggested that Omega-3 can help reduce inflammation. While inflammation is a natural response to infection, it can occasionally linger longer than intended, and begin to cause problems. Omega-3 has been found to reduce inflammation in these cases by reducing the production of the components that contribute to creating inflammation in the body in the first place.

A third benefit of Omega-3 is in its ability to help maintain healthy skin. DHA is part of what makes up your skin - it forms the cell membrane and is responsible for its health. EPA can also help in a number of different ways including skin hydration and reducing the risk of acne.

These are just a few examples of the benefits of Omega-3 and how it is utilised within our bodies!

Why Should I Take an Omega-3 Supplement?

While Omega-3 can be found naturally in our diets, taking it as a supplement ensures a consistent and concentrated daily dose - helping you reap all the benefits more effectively. Ask at reception about our Omega-3 supplements, and we'll be happy to provide you with everything you need to get started!