The human body is impressive and capable of making a lot of critical nutrients we need to survive.
Unfortunately, our bodies don’t make everything.
One essential compound that our bodies don’t make is omega-3 fatty acids. So instead, we need to get them from outside food, plant, and supplement sources.
A lot of people associate the word “fat” with something negative. While it’s true that there are some bad fats out there that can be detrimental to your health, there are also many good fats that can keep your body strong and healthy, including omega-3 fatty acids.
What is Omega-3?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fatty acid known as polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Multiple types of omega-3 fatty acids are essential for keeping your cells healthy and providing energy for your blood vessels, heart, lungs, and immune system. Without enough omega-3s, your body won’t function as it should.
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids. Eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in fish. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in seeds, nuts, and other plant sources.
Benefits of Omega-3 and Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids are important because they impact just about every part of your body. Here are some of the primary benefits of incorporating more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.
- Improve risk factors for heart disease
Several years ago, researchers noticed that populations that ate a lot of fish had lower cases of heart disease. Eventually, they determined that these populations were getting enough omega-3 fatty acids into their diets to ward off heart disease.
Omega-3s can reduce high blood pressure, increase levels of HDL (i.e., “good cholesterol”), lower levels of LDL (i.e., “bad cholesterol”), and prevent plaque from forming in your arteries.
- Improve skin health
DHA helps keep the membranes of your skin cells healthy. So, when you don’t have enough omega-3s, your skin health can start to decline. EPA is also beneficial for your skin. It reduces acne as well as signs of aging. It also manages oil production, ensuring that your skin has the correct moisture levels.
- Fight mental decline
Many people experience cognitive decline as they age. However, it’s possible to fight back against this by getting enough omega-3s. Studies have found a correlation between getting enough omega-3s and having a lower incidence of degenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s.
- Improve bone health
Omega-3s can help your body absorb calcium, which is essential for bone and joint health. In addition, omega-3s can also improve symptoms for arthritis patients and help them gain better grip strength.
- Fight inflammation and prevent chronic conditions
Many chronic conditions result from long periods of inflammation in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation, which can ease symptoms of chronic illnesses or prevent them from developing in the first place.
- Improve sleep quality
Kids and adults can suffer from sleepless nights due to an omega-3 deficiency. Studies have found that not having enough DHA can decrease melatonin production, a hormone that helps you fall asleep. Getting more omega-3s can help both kids and adults fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
- Reduce menstrual pain
Dealing with menstrual pain can be incredibly disruptive. However, studies have found that women who get enough omega-3s in their diet have less pain during their periods.
What Causes Omega-3 Deficiency?
Because our bodies don’t make omega-3 naturally, we need to get it from outside sources. Therefore, it can be relatively easy to become deficient in omega-3s without realizing it. Thus, people develop an omega-3 deficiency because they don’t eat enough food sources that contain this crucial fatty acid.
Could you be omega-3 deficient? Here are some common symptoms.
- Skin and eye dryness
Omega-3 fatty acids protect your skin barriers, keeping moisture in so your skin stays hydrated. When you aren’t getting enough omega-3s, you will most likely notice it first by having dry skin and dry eyes. Omega-3s can also impact tear production. This is why some doctors recommend omega-3 supplements for patients who have dry eyes.
Omega-3s also prevent inflammation. Therefore, a deficiency could also appear as an onset of acne due to excess inflammation. If you’ve been experiencing acne outbreaks, you might see a noticeable difference in redness and inflammation after taking an omega-3 supplement.
- Fatigue and depression
In addition to protecting your skin, omega-3s keep your brain healthy. Studies have found a correlation between a severe omega-3 deficiency and a higher incidence of depression. Of course, there are many elements of depression. In addition, an omega-3 deficiency can lead to fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Joint stiffness and pain
Many people notice that their joints are stiffer and more painful as they age. This is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s natural or that you have to live with it. Often, joint pain and stiffness are related to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis.
In any case, getting more omega-3s into your diet could help reduce joint inflammation and pain. Even people living with RA can relieve their symptoms by increasing the amount of omega-3s they get every day.
Where to Get Omega3 Fatty Acids
The good news is that true omega-3 deficiency is relatively rare for most people. However, certain populations seem to be particularly at risk of becoming omega-3 deficient, including vegetarians, vegans, and people with malabsorption issues.
Even if you eat fish regularly, you might not be getting as many omega-3 fatty acids as you need for optimal health. That’s why omega-3 fish oil supplements exist!
Zi-Omega 3 from Zirum is easy for your body to absorb so your cells can get the support they need to keep your whole body healthy. Our formula combines the power of omega-3s with Co-Q10 to stimulate energy production and help you feel better in mind and body. Best of all, there’s no fishy taste or aftertaste.
Order fish oil supplements today to see what a difference omega-3 fatty acids can make for your overall health.
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