Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3s, which is good for the heart and the brain. However, getting your omega-3s from fish is healthier. If you don't eat fish, fish oil supplements are a good alternative.
What are the major benefits of fish oil?
1. May support heart health
Research shows that people who eat a lot of fish have much lower rates of heart disease.
Multiple risk factors for heart disease appear to be reduced by consuming fish or fish oil. The benefits of fish oil for heart health include helping:
lower cholesterol
lower triglycerides
reduce blood pressure
prevent the formation of plaques that harden arteries
Omega 3 may help reduce the severity of and mortality from heart disease. More research is needed to determine if Omega 3 has any association with preventing stroke or reducing mortality from stroke.
2. May help treat certain mental health conditions
If you measure the weight of the brain without any fluid, it will contain about 20% polyunsaturated fatty acids, which include omega-3. Therefore, omega-3s are essential for typical brain function.
In fact, research suggests that people with certain mental health conditions have lower omega-3 blood levels, and having more omega-3s may help prevent the onset or improve the symptoms of some mental health conditions like depression.
3. May support eye health
Evidence shows that people who don’t get enough omega-3s have a greater risk of eye diseases, with the exception of dry eye disease.
Furthermore, eye health begins to decline in old age, which can lead to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Eating fish is linked to a reduced risk of AMD, but the results from fish oil supplements are less convincing.
4. May reduce inflammation
Because fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it may help treat chronic inflammatory conditions. For example, increased weight or stress can sometimes contribute to higher levels of inflammation.
That said, fish oil supplements can help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and medication needs in people with rheumatoid arthritis, which causes pain in the joints.
