Why Essential Fatty Acids Are Vital For Your Body

Omega-3, DHA, EPA…do these terms ring a bell? 

What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega 3 fatty acids are a class of fatty acids that are typically found in fish oils. They are of great importance for human health, but technically, the human body can’t independently produce them. An individual should acquire them through food or supplementation. Although Omega-3 can also be found in common foods such as flax seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, walnuts etc., it is typically sourced from different types of fish and seafood. Fish such as mackerel, salmon, seabass, oysters, sardines, shrimp, menhaden fish, and many more are excellent sources of fish oil. They contain more essential fatty acids compared to other staple foods.

What are the Most Important Types of Essential Fatty Acids?

Before we reveal the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids, it’s best to define the most important types of essential fatty acids. 

1. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) – This type is frequently found in plant foods including but not limited to algae, kale, spinach, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and soybean oil. One should note that this acid must be converted into EPA and DHA before it can be utilized by the body. The body’s conversion process may be tedious and inefficient in humans. Once the conversion process is done, only a small percentage is converted into EPA and much lesser when converted into DHA.

2. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)-  This type of essential fatty acids is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that is crucial for building flexible, responsive cell membranes and supporting healthy immune reactions throughout our lives. During the prenatal development, DHA rapidly accumulates in specific tissues where it is needed including but not limited to the human brain, eyes, liver, adipose (or fat), and skeletal muscles.

3. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)- This type of essential fatty acid is typically found in animal products including but not limited to fatty fish, fish oil, and other microalgae. Many studies have revealed that EPA is the most important of the omega-3 fatty acids due to its capability of potentially reducing the cellular inflammation of the body.

Why Essential Fatty Acids Such as DHA and EPA Are Both Vital For Your Body

As mentioned above, ALA needs to be converted before the body can actually benefit from it. The good news is, by just having DHA and EPA, you may get the health benefits you’ve been aiming to experience. We’re here to list them down for you.

1. Supports healthy skin and hair

Omega-3 has been said to have anti-inflammatory properties which may contribute  to promoting healthy hair growth. They also help with dry and flaky scalps. Is dandruff still a problem for you even with your anti-dandruff shampoo? Omega 3 might help!

Many studies have also found out that essential fatty acids help support skin cells against sun-induced inflammation.. Omega 3 essential fatty acids may also help in hydrating the skin.

2. Supports blood pressure and liver function

Along with lifestyle changes and consistent healthy living like eating a healthy diet and losing extra weight, there are some evidence that adding fish oil to your diet may help promote healthy blood pressure.

In addition, our liver processes most of the fat in our body thus, this organ can play a bigger role in gaining weight. Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA may support liver functions.

3. Helps improve joint health

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and other foods, have been studied in reference to  joint symptoms like morning stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort. Many people take an Omega 3 supplement each day along with 30 minutes of exercise to help support mobility.

4. Aids in fighting depression and anxiety

Severe stress caused by life-event triggers such as divorce, loss of a job, sleep deprivation, or social isolation, and the like may affect the emotional health of an individual. As a result, the cells in one’s brain which contain higher amounts of DHA may be more likely to suffer. Note that DHA-rich membranes are responsible for cellular communication in the brain. This may compromise , other critical neurotransmitters involved in regulating the mood and other brain functions

5. Helps with eye health

DHA is naturally concentrated in the retina of the eye, the layer of tissue which lines the inside of the eye and receives the image formed by the lens. Fish oil has been suggested to support eye vision along with promoting healthy retinal function. Consuming fish oil has also been praised to help those suffering from dry eyes as they are known to assist in the production of natural eye fluids.

6. Promotes brain and cardiovascular health

According to Simon Dyall, a principal academic and head of nutrition at Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom, Omega 3 essential fatty acids may help metabolize influence gene expression, oxidative stress, cerebral blood flow, levels of neurotransmitters, and other brain-related processes such as the production of new neurons in the brain.

DHA and EPA may also help in keeping the heart healthy. By taking Omega-3 fish oil, many people have seen the lowering of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. When triglycerides are lowered, blood pressure and blood clotting are slightly reduced as well.

7. Immune Support

Inflammation is a natural response to infections and damage in your body but if inflammation persists for a long period even without the existence of infection, we experience bigger trouble called “chronic inflammation” which is bad for your overall health.  Many studies have shown that DHA and EPA-rich fish oil may enhance the B-cell activity, a white blood cell, which supports healthy blood cells. In turn, this may help support the immune system and digestion

Now that we’ve talked Omega 3 essential fatty acids, the next question is where to find them and how to consume them. Foods that are rich with Omega-3, especially various type of fish, are good sources of DHA and EPA. However, a lot of people prefer to take them via supplement due to taste and ease of consumption. 

Nature’s Branch Triple Strength Omega 3 Fish Oil supplement comes in easy to swallow, burpless coated lemon-flavored softgels for a premium fish oil experience. Our fish oil capsules are third party tested and are manufactured in an FDA-approved facility following strict GMP standards to ensure safety, quality, and potency. Our maximum strength Omega 3 Fish Oil capsules help support joint, cardiovascular, cognitive, and digestive health. They may also aid in helping to boost Remember that if you are considering taking fish oil supplements, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first to see if it's appropriate and safe for you as some supplement may interfere with other medication and health conditions.

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