Cebu City - Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that your body can’t efficiently produce or produce at all but still needs for several functions. Omega-3’s are important for heart health, as well as brain and eye health.
Omega-3 fatty acids help all the cells in your body to function as they should. They’re a vital part of your cell membranes, helping to provide structure and supporting interactions between cells. The following are examples of omega 3 fatty acids: Eeicosapentaenoic acid, Docosahexaenoic acid, and Alpha lenolenic acid.
Omega-3 fatty acids have many potential benefits for your cardiovascular health. One key benefit is that they help lower your triglyceride levels. Too many triglycerides in your blood raises your risk of atherosclerosis, and through this, can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. So, it’s important to keep triglyceride levels under control. In addition, omega-3s may help you by raising your HDL or good cholesterol and lowering your blood pressure.
Some studies show omega-3s may lower your risk for:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Death, if you have CVD.
- Sudden death caused by an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
- Blood clots.
Beyond heart health, omega-3s may help lower your risk of developing:
- Some forms of cancer, including breast cancer.
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) // PDO I Joyce M. Santillan, RND
REFERENCE: Omega-3 Fatty Acids & the Important Role They Play (clevelandclinic.org)
