6 Benefits of Omega 3 for Health, One of Which Improves Brain Function!
Omega 3 has an excellent role in the body. The benefits of omega 3 itself are needed by the body.
Although the benefits of omega 3 are very many for the body, unfortunately, there are still many people who do not understand and in the end tend to the body's need for omega 3 is not met.
Reporting from Nutrients, the fatty acids contained in omega 3 have an important role in the growth and development of the fetus.
Read: Besides Omega-3s, These 6 Nutrients Also Help Healthy the Heart
Omega 3 can also have benefits in reducing the risk of depression in pregnant women and preventing the birth of premature babies.
Actually, what are the benefits of Omega 3 for the body? Here it is!
Benefits of Omega 3 for Health
There are 3 types of omega-3 that are good for health. These types are alpha-linoleic or ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid or commonly known as DHA.
Well, in order for the need for this substance to be met, you need to consume fish oil including the type of EPA and also DHA. Eating foods with balanced nutrition can also help the body fulfill this intake.
So, what are the benefits of omega 3 for the body? Here it is!
1. Maintain Heart Health
The benefits of omega 3 can be processed from supplements that can reduce triglyceride levels that increase good cholesterol in the body. This effect also makes omega 3 very good for preventing blockage of blood vessels due to cholesterol accumulation.
Omega 3 can also increase levels of bad cholesterol but the effect cannot be said to be significant.
Well, for those who consume omega 3 regularly, blood flow in the body will remain smooth and will have a good effect on heart health.
Read: 4 Vitamins for Children's Brains That Must Be Consumed!
2. Maintain Eye Health
DHA is the main fatty structure on the retina of the eye. When DHA intake is lacking, it can cause various eye disorders and eye diseases caused by aging such as macular degeneration.
Therefore, regularly consuming omega 3 can also maintain eye health functions.
3. Benefits of Omega 3 for Children and Fetuses
Reporting from Obstetrics & Gynecology, omega 3 can help the development of the fetal brain. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy both in the form of food and supplements can be associated with an increase in the results of fetal brain development and neurodevelopment in children in the future.
The study developed in the journal also explained that pregnant women who often and regularly consume fish will give birth to children with high visual imposition and verbal intelligence.
Not only that but the Omega 3 consumed by children can also overcome their depression. Fish oil is often used for the treatment of adult depression however, some studies show fish oil can also treat depression in children.
In addition, the researchers also found that children who regularly consumed omega 3 were less likely to develop diabetes.
Well, omega 3 consumed adequately can reduce the risk of premature birth.
So, for those who have previously had a history of giving birth prematurely, it is recommended to take omega 3 regularly because the condition of giving birth prematurely can be caused by the initially low intake of omega 3 weak acids.
A study published in the Cochrane Review found the origin of omega-3 fats reduces the risk of premature birth.
The journal revealed that omega 3 intake lowered the risk of having a premature baby (less than 37 weeks old) by 11 percent.
Premature birth itself is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 5 worldwide. There are nearly 1 million deaths of children under 5 years of age each year.
Babies born prematurely themselves have a higher risk of a variety of long-term conditions including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and vision impairment.
4. Benefits of Omega 3 for Mothers and Pregnant Women
Not only that, as already mentioned, omega 3 can be beneficial for preventing depression in pregnant women. Motherhood is not an easy thing. So, not infrequently many experience depression due to heavy responsibilities and obligations.
It doesn't stop there, there are also many women who choose to abandon their routines and choose to become 100 percent housewives. This can also affect a woman's mental state.
Omega 3 can also prevent mothers from experiencing depression during pregnancy and after delivery.
5. Lowers the Risk of Cancer
Omega 3 also has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Some studies, it has shown that this substance can prevent and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Cancer cells that can be inhibited in growth are prostate cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer.
Nevertheless, the benefits of this stau omega 3 still need to be further researched. To reduce the risk of developing cancer, you are still advised to live a healthy lifestyle such as smoking, avoiding the consumption of alcoholic beverages, regular exercise, and eating healthy foods.
6. Maintain Brain Health and Function
Well, in order for the body to stay healthy and function optimally, nerve tissue and the brain will need adequate nutritional intake every day!
One of the nutrients that are good for the brain and nerves is the substance omega 3.
Omega 3 intake is quite well known to be good for maintaining brain function and improving memory and concentration. This substance also lowers the risk of diseases in the brain such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia.