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20 Science-Based Health Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Its Uses and Side Effects

Last Updated: Mar 14, 2023

What are omega-3 fatty acids?

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They are basically a type of polyunsaturated fat that is very beneficial to human health. Omega-3 fatty acids have a chemical structure that is mainly characterized by a double bond. This bond is specifically located as many as three atoms away from the chemical structure of the terminal methyl group.This is how these fats get their unique properties that make them extremely beneficial for our health. They are further classified into three major types: EPA (also known as eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (also known as docosahexaenoic acid), and ALA (also known as alpha-linolenic acid). Omega-3 fatty acids are often found in oily fish, such as salmon, and have been believed to have a number of health benefits, which include improving heart health and reducing inflammation.

In other, simpler words, omega-3 fatty acids can be defined as important fats that all of us must get from our diets. However, there is still a lot of information that you need to have about these essential fats in order to benefit from them! So, this article is being written with the aim of making you learn and understand everything that you must know about these healthy fats, which include their number of different types and how they precisely work to help you maintain your overall health and keep your body fit as a fiddle!

Summary:Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential type of polyunsaturated fat that offer remarkable health benefits for humans. In other words, omega-3 fatty acids are important fats that we must get from our diets in order to make our bodies function optimally!

What do omega-3 fatty acids do?

  • Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in the cell membranes of your body and affect how the cell receptors function in these membranes. They are basically responsible for creating hormones that regulate the relaxation and contraction of artery walls, blood clotting, and inflammation. Apart from that, omega-3 fatty acids are considered 'healthy fats' because they offer various health benefits, one of which is supporting heart health by lowering triglyceride levels.
  • In other words, omega-3 fatty acids are vital for helping all the cells in your body function properly. They play an important role in cell membranes by providing structure and facilitating interactions between cells. Omega-3s are essential to the cells of your entire body, but they are especially concentrated in the cells of your eyes and brain.
  • So omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, are essential for your retinas as well as your brain. Also, it must be noted that DHA is especially important for breastfeeding women and expectant mothers. This is because it can impact their baby's intelligence and overall health.
  • Omega-3s are not only responsible for providing your body with energy, but they also support the health of many of your body's systems. Your cardiovascular system and endocrine system are the most evident examples of these.
  • To cut a long story short, omega-3 fatty acids can be referred to as a type of unsaturated fat that has been linked to various health benefits. Although the evidence is mixed, some studies suggest that omega-3s can help protect against a number of diseases, such as breast cancer, depression, ADHD, and various inflammatory diseases.
  • Furthermore, if you are interested in adding more omega-3s to your diet, you can find them in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, as well as in certain plant-based oils and nuts.
Summary:Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in cell membranes throughout the body by affecting how cell receptors function. These healthy fats are mainly responsible for creating hormones that help regulate the relaxation and contraction of arteries, blood clotting, and inflammation.

What are examples of omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial nutrients that are mainly found in fish and flaxseed, and apart from these, they are also found in dietary supplements, including fish oil. Among the three different types of omega-3 fatty acids, it must be noted that ALA—probably the most popular and sought-after kind of omega-3 fatty acid—is found mainly in plant oils, such as canola, soybean, and flaxseed.

We all must be aware of the reality that omega-3 is an important kind of fat that is essential for our bodies and health. This fat basically helps with the development of our brain, nerves, and eyes, and not only that, in fact, it also supports the heart, lungs, kidneys, and prostate.

As mentioned above, you can get the best form of omega-3 from fish oil, algal oil, flaxseed oil, and walnuts. However, if you are, by any chance, a vegetarian or don't eat fish, you can consume dark leafy greens, soy, and tofu to get omega-3.

Summary:The best way to consume omega-3 is through fish oil, algal oil, flaxseed oil, and walnuts. If you don't eat fish or meat, dark leafy greens, soy, and tofu are the next best sources of omega-3.

Where to get omega-3s?

Foods high in omega-3s can help lower your risk of a number of lethal diseases or health conditions, including heart issues, strokes, and other conditions such as arthritis. Moreover, adding more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet is as easy as eating more fish, seeds, and nuts. The most trusted and renowned health organizations around the globe recommend that healthy adults consume at least 250 mg to 500 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) every day.

You must know that the best way to reach this amount is by eating at least a couple of servings of fatty fish per week. In addition, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, you should be aware that the National Institutes of Health (NIH), India's medical research agency, recommends an adequate intake (AI) of plant-based omega-3s of at least 1,600 mg for male individuals and at least 1,100 mg for females. Furthermore, it must be noted that algae and seaweed are among the most significant sources of omega-3, especially for people who tend to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Summary:Omega-3s are a type of fatty acid that can be found in fish, seeds, and nuts. Apart from them, algae and seaweed are also significant sources of omega-3, especially for people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
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What are the best food sources of omega-3 fatty acids?

Mackerel

They are small, oily fish that are commonly smoked and eaten whole in many countries. Mackerel is undisputedly an excellent source of essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and selenium; it's also delicious and requires little preparation. Furthermore, you should also note that only 3.5 ounces (or 100 grams) of mackerel provides almost 5,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it an excellent food for all folks who are always looking forward to increasing their daily intake of these beneficial nutrients.

Salmon

This fish species is a great source of a variety of nutrients as well as some high-quality protein. This includes large amounts of selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin D. Apart from these, salmon fish is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked with reducing the risk of dementia, heart disease, and depression along with some other serious health conditions.

The omega-3s in salmon can also help to keep your mind sharp as you age. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of salmon contains a total of 2,150 mg of DHA and EPA, making it an incredibly nutritious fish to include in your diet!

Oysters (Shellfish)

Did you know that oysters are not only delicious, but they're also one of the most nutritious foods you can eat? Oysters are one of the richest sources of zinc, a mineral that is essential for a strong immune system, healthy skin and wound healing.Not only are oysters a great source of essential nutrients, but they're also packed with Omega-3 fatty acids. Only six raw eastern oysters can potentially provide 329 mg of DHA and EPA (combined), or 391 mg per 3.5 ounces (or 100 grams).

Chia Seeds

They are not only nutritious but are also rich in magnesium, selenium, manganese, and a few other essential nutrients. In fact, a standard one-ounce serving of chia seeds contains approximately five grams of protein and all essential amino acids. Moreover, chia seeds are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids with 5,050 mg of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) per ounce!

Brussels Sprouts

They are not only high in vitamin K and fiber but also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These little green cruciferous vegetables have been linked to many health benefits due to their nutrient-rich composition.It must be noted that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for cognitive function, heart health, as well as joint pain relief, to name a few of its benefits. So, you must consider adding Brussels sprouts to your usual diet and reap all these benefits without further delay!

Summary: Some rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids may include fish oils, fatty fish, chia seeds, flax seeds, flaxseed oil, and walnuts. For people who don't eat many of these foods, an omega-3 supplement such as fish oil or algae oil is usually recommended.

20 science-based health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids

  • Omega-3s can help fight a number of mental health conditions that may include anxiety, stress, and depression.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that our bodies need for many different functions, including maintaining healthy eyesight.
  • These healthy fats are important for your brain's structure and overall functioning. They can also help to protect against some mental health disorders that may include Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
  • Omega-3s have been shown to improve risk factors for a number of heart conditions that include high cholesterol, stroke, and blood pressure issues.
  • A study done on children with ADHD showed that symptoms were notably reduced when omega-3 fatty acids were present in their diet in greater quantities. (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder—commonly referred to as its acronym 'ADHD'—can be best defined a mental health condition characterized by behavioral traits including impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fat that has been shown to help reduce inflammation throughout the body. In fact, research and studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may also help to improve cognitive function, heart health, and health of joints.
  • Omega-3s can help to reduce the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, which is a group of conditions that can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. So, if you're concerned about any of these conditions, make sure to speak to your doctor about whether (or not) omega-3 supplements could be apt for you.
  • These healthy fats (omega-3s) have proved to be really effective when it comes to combating autoimmune diseases. These diseases are basically a result of your immune system attacking healthy cells instead of foreign cells. This can cause a number of lethally serious physical or mental health issues.
  • Omega-3s can also be significantly beneficial for any mental health disorder patient. In fact, low levels of omega-3 have been linked to psychiatric disorders, so increasing omega-3 intake may help improve mental health.
  • Omega-3s have been shown to help fight age-related mental decline, which is a very common problem among older adults.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to help prevent cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and omega-3 fatty acids have been said to potentially reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
  • A recent study suggests that these healthy fats (omega-3s) may help alleviate the symptoms of asthma in children. Asthma can be defined as a chronic lung disease that can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The study found that children who took omega-3 supplements had fewer asthma attacks than those who did not.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids are known to help reduce fat in the liver, especially in people who have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although there is no known cure for NAFLD, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been shown to be effective in reducing liver fat and inflammation in people who suffer from this chronic liver disease.
  • Omega-3s are a type of essential fatty acid that has many health benefits, including the promotion of bone and joint health. Numerous studies have shown that omega-3s can help reduce inflammation, which is a major contributing factor to many bone and joint conditions. Omega-3s can also strengthen your bones by providing more calcium to them. This may further reduce the risk of painful conditions like osteoporosis.
  • Every month, millions of women around the world experience cramps, lower back pain, and other symptoms associated with their period. While there is no cure for menstrual pain, research has shown that omega-3s can help alleviate some of the symptoms. In a recent study, women who consumed the most omega-3s had milder menstrual pain than those who didn't consume as many omega-3s. So, if you are looking for a natural way to reduce your menstrual pain, you must consider adding more omega-3s to your diet.
  • A good night's sleep is important for our overall health and well-being, and studies have shown that not getting enough sleep can lead to serious health problems like obesity, diabetes, and depression. Moreover, you must know that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids are linked to sleep issues like difficulty falling and staying asleep, as well as more serious conditions like obstructive sleep apnea. All in all, omega-3 supplements have been shown to increase the length and quality of sleep in both children and adults, making them a good choice for people who are struggling to get a full night's rest.
  • If you are looking for a skin-care secret that not many people know about, omega-3 fats are it. That's because one of the main omega-3 fats, DHA, is a structural component of your skin. In other words, it plays a big role in keeping your skin healthy. Healthy cell membranes equal softer, more hydrated, and more youthful-looking skin, so if you want to give your skin a little boost, make sure to include plenty of omega-3s in your diet.
  • Some recent studies have shown that people with major or chronic depression appear to have lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, it must be noted that EPA is the kind of omega-3 that helps reduce depressive symptoms the most. So if you're considering taking an omega-3 supplement to improve your mood, be sure to choose one that's high in EPA.
  • New research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna can help alleviate seasonal allergies and improve allergy risk.
  • A recent study has found that children of mothers who took an adequate omega-3 supplement during pregnancy were less likely to develop asthma than those who did not. This can be dubbed a groundbreaking discovery as it provides further evidence of the importance of omega-3s in fetal development.

Summary:The omega-3 fats have been shown to play a role in preventing heart disease and stroke. They may also help to control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, these fats may provide protection against cancer and other conditions.

Uses of omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in so many ways. In fact, they are essential for a number of bodily functions and have also been shown to influence gene function. Into the bargain, these healthy fats may strengthen your muscles, help to keep your brain healthy, and even improve your sexual performance.

One of the lesser-known ways in which they work is by helping to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a major cause of many diseases and health issues, including lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis. Even though omega-3s are more popular for their heart-healthy benefits, they may also help control all the aforementioned health conditions and may also play a role in cancer prevention.

Summary:Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat, and we need them in our diets to help build brain cells, among other important functions.

Side-effects of omega-3 fatty acids

The side effects of supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids are usually not severe. According to studies, the most common side effects are an unpleasant taste, bad breath, bad-smelling sweat, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues such as heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. Although no cause-and-effect relationship has been proven yet, some large studies have found a correlation between higher blood levels of long-chain omega-3s and an increased risk for prostate cancer.

Summary:Omega-3 supplements have a number of benefits, but they also come with some potential side effects. That said, these side effects are usually rare and mild. They can include bad breath, an unpleasant taste, bad-smelling sweat or body odor, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, heartburn, or nausea.

Conclusion

Omega-3 fatty acids can be best defined as essential fatty acids that are required by the human body for optimal health. The great health benefits and advantages of these fatty acids are now widely researched and proven.It must be noted that these healthy fats are most commonly found in fatty fish, flaxseed, and other foods. Omega-3 fatty acids are used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and depression, among other diseases. Furthermore, we hope that this article has given you a better understanding of this essential fatty acid and its role in our overall health and well-being.

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Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician

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