Advantages of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and You: What Can Fish Oil Do?

As we get older, concerns about developing chronic health problems become more prevalent. Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and dementia are the primary antagonists of your healthy aging story. But how can fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids help alleviate some of the stress about aging?

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

So, what makes fish oil so special? Omega-3 fatty acids. These particular nutrients must come from food since our bodies can’t make them. The two primary fatty acids that makeup omega-3 are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These are found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. 

Surprisingly, some omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in plants and your body converts it to DHA and EPA. Some plant-based sources are flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and canola oil.

What Do Omega-3s Do?

Omega-3 fatty acids have an important role in brain function as you age, normal growth and development, and inflammation. Conversely, deficiencies have been linked to some cancers, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, arthritis, and more. However, this doesn’t mean that taking more than the recommended dose will result in better health or disease prevention.

Ingesting fish oil has regularly been promoted as a way to protect yourself against heart disease, improve mental health, ease inflammation, and increase longevity. However, the specific benefits consist of:

• Heart health support
• Treatment of certain mental disorders (like depression)
• Possible aid in weight loss
• Reduced risk of eye disease
• Reduction of inflammation
• Promotion of healthy skin
• Possible reduction of liver fat
• Prevention of symptoms of mental decline
• Improved asthma symptoms
• Better bone health

What Do We Really Know?

How food works in the body is still very much a mystery. This can make the use of supplements for anything other than a deficiency questionable. Be sure to talk to your doctor whenever you are considering making major dietary changes. Your doctor will know the best course for your personal health goals.

Now that you’ve gotten in the right mindset for healthier living, keep the positivity going? Download our eBook on how to Improve Your Fitness Over 60!