As the title of this article suggests perhaps you’re wondering how Omega-3 is beneficial to your heart?
If you are concerned about heart conditions, eating a serving or two of fish every week or taking fish oil supplements can lower your chances of dying from stroke or heart attack.
The American Heart Association for many years have suggested that people consume oily fish which are loaded with essential Omega-3 fatty acids at least twice weekly. Physicians have long believed that the beneficial Omega-3 fatty oils contained in fish are the key to lowering the chances of heart diseases and stroke.
More recent studies however indicate that the other nutrients found in fish or a combination of these and the omega-3s in fish may actually be responsible for the amazing health advantages that may be derived from oily fish. Certain people are concerned that contaminants such as mercury found in fish may outweigh any of its heart-friendly advantages.
Although, in terms of having a healthier heart, the advantages of consuming fish or taking fish oil supplements usually outweigh any of the potential risks of exposure to contaminants. These concerns may be successfully neutralized by adding a healthy amount of fish into your eating plan.
Why Are Omega-3s Found In Fish Oils Good For The Heart?
Fish oil found in fatty fish contain unsaturated oils, which when replaced for saturated oils such as those found in meat, may reduce the levels of bad cholesterol. The main advantageous component however appears to be the omega-3 oils found in oily fish. These beneficial oils are unsaturated fatty acids that help lower inflammation in the body which can damage the blood vessels and result to a number of heart diseases.
Essential omega-3 fatty acids may help lower irregular heartbeats, reduce the risk of heart failure and stroke, lower blood clotting, reduce blood pressure levels and reduce triglycerides.
In children, omega-3 fatty acids may enhance cognitive ability. Consuming at least one or 2 servings of oily fish weekly such as mackerel, tuna or herring appears to lower the chances of developing heart problems, specifically sudden cardiac death. These same cardiovascular health advantages may be obtained from taking good quality fish oil supplements.
What Types Of Fish Should You Eat?
Oily fishes such as tuna, sardines, herring, lake trout or salmon contain high amounts of omega-3 oils and hence the most advantage, although many kinds of seafood contain minute amounts of this beneficial oil as well. Certain types of fish such as catfish and tilapia do not appear to be as heart-friendly since they contain higher amounts of unhealthy oil.
Bear in mind that any type of fish can be unhealthy based on how they are cooked. For instance, baking or broiling fish is usually a healthier option than deep frying.
Experts are concerned about consuming farm-produced fish as compared to wild-caught fish. Experts believe that pesticides, antibiotics and other types of harmful chemicals used in cultivating farm-produced fish may lead to detrimental effects to individuals who consume the fish.
Despite it all, for good heart health, Omega-3 is recommended and as stated earlier, if you don’t like fish, you can turn to Omega-3 supplements
How Omega 3 Helps You Heal
As we have learned, Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that can offer a number of health benefits.
But, these fatty acids are not the same as saturated fats that you can find in butter and lard. In chemistry, polyunsaturated fats are in liquid form when placed at room temperature. They remain liquid even when you refrigerate or freeze them. Omega-3 is considered as essential because your body cannot manufacture it on its own. Because of that, it is important that your diet contains such stuff.
Once ingested, the alpha-linoleic acid is converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fats can be found in fish oil, like tuna, halibut and herring. Some algae also contain DHA. It is the EPA that plays a vital role in preventing cardiovascular disease. The DHA, on the other hand, is important in the proper development of the brain and nerves.
Cell Membrane And Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The cell membrane must maintain its fluidity and integrity to perform its functions properly. Keep in mind that if your cells do not have a healthy membrane, then you will lose a significant amount of water and vital nutrients as its ability to store them will be gone.
Your cells’ ability to communicate with other cells will also be disrupted. If your body loses cell to cell communication, it would lead to cancerous tumors. With the help of diets rich in omega-3, your cell membranes will have a high degree of fluidity.
How Do Omega-3s Help Brain Healing?
There are a variety of mechanisms at play.
For example, Omega-3 fats:
Help reconnect damage neurons
Inhibit cell death
Activate genes that help cope with brain damage
Well that’s a basic overview of how Omega-3 helps you heal. But as more and more research is being conducted and discoveries are made, you can expect much more exciting developments in this area.