Why do we need Omega 3?

Omega-3 fatty acids help all the cells in the body function as they should. They help to provide structure and interactions between cells. They are particularly concentrated in high levels in the cells you find in your eyes and brain.

There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:

- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Found in fish.

- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Found in fish.

- ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Found in plants. Known as a short-chain omega-3.

*ETA (eicosatetraenoic acid), is a lesser known omega-3. Found in green-lipped mussel

Your body can’t make these fats on its own, so you need to get it from your diet or from omega-3 supplements (we love Bare Biology). When you get ALA from food, your body can turn some of the ALA into EPA and then into DHA. This process provides just a small amount of EPA and DHA. So getting EPA and DHA from dietary sources like fish is essential.

What are some of the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids research has shown or is starting to show?

1. Good for Heart Health. Omega 3 has been shown to lower high triglycerides, regulating cholesterol (helps to increase HDL (good) cholesterol), lower high blood pressure and reduce metabolic syndrome symptoms.

2. May help fight mental disorders and decline. Studies have shown improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms after adding an omega-3 supplement into their routine, neuroprotective effects on the brain helping Alzheimer’s and age related mental decline and many more benefits starting to show in recent studies.

3. Linked to preventing and managing autoimmune disease. These include type 1 diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, leaky gut, rheumatoid arthritis and many more.

4. Reduces Inflammation. Our diets are rich in Omega 6, causing an imbalance in our Omega 3 to 6 ratio which causes inflammation in the body. Having a diet rich in Omega 3 and/or supplementing with Omega 3, can help reduce inflammation in the body.

5. Lowered Cancer Risks. Studies are showing that consumption of DHA/EPA decreases the risk of colorectal cancer. It also may be effective in slowing or reversing the growth of hormonal cancers.

6. May help improve sleep quality. There is some research suggesting that low levels of Omega 3 may be linked to low levels of Melatonin. Sleep Apnea has also been shown to improve after supplementing with Omega 3.

7. May support healthy bones and joints. Omega 3 fights inflammation as well increases bone density (through increasing calcium absorption) according to studies.

8. Infant and Child Development benefits. Really important for brain and eye development. Breast milk is a great source of omega-3 fats, formulas don’t always contain enough Omega-3, you can find fortified formulas. And children can supplement omega 3 from an early age.

9. Lowered macular degeneration risk. There is consistent evidence that suggests DHA and EPA are necessary for retinal health and may help protect the eyes from disease.

10. Healthy Skin. Some studies indicate omega-3 may help prevent acne and other inflammatory conditions.