Health Benefits Of Omega – 3 Fatty Acids

Health Benefits Of Omega – 3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids play a very important role in our body’s correct functioning. They are beneficial especially to the neurological system, by improving signal pathways in our body by being one of the main blocks of our cells. But not only neurological paths benefit from providing the body with omega-3 fatty acids. Also, the cardiovascular system witnesses benefit from these acids.

Let’s take, for example, the Inuit Indians. Because their diet is composed mainly of marine animals and fish, aliments rich in omega-3 acids, they suffer from lower heart diseases compared to other people. From as early as 1996 – The American Heart Association has recommended the extended use of omega-3 rich foods in order to reduce the chances to suffer from heart diseases. Recent research has extended the proven benefits of omega-3 fatty acids to other body functions as well.

Some of the Science and Health Benefits

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are the most important fatty acids which contribute to having good, vibrant health. They form the main elements of the synthesis of cell mediators. Thus, being important elements of the body cells, they play a vital role in the development of the nervous system. They also contribute to the regulation of inflammations and the proliferation of some cells.

To be more specific, omega-3 fatty acids contribute profitable in the prevention of many diseases. Some of the body’s vital nerve system elements are based on omega-3 fatty acids: the brain grey matter or the retina. These fatty acids affect cell signaling and the expression of genes.

Many medical studies have shown that is important to keep a balanced level of omega-3 and omega-6 acids in the body to prevent some diseases from developing. But despite this, a change has been witnessed in the western countries’ diet.

Element rich in omega-6 fatty acids, such as vegetable oil, has grown in usage, altering the omega-3 to omega-6 ration. While the normal rate would be of 4 to 1, this rate has increased to 25-50 to 1. This aspect can have serious consequences on human health, as a high level of omega-6 fatty acids in the foods administered can lead to the apparition of some diseases. Although the omega-6 acids are also part of the cells, their concentrated levels can produce inflammatory mediators (such as leukotrienes and thromboxanes), inflammatory mediators whose production is lowered by the derivates of the omega-3 fatty acids.