Essential fatty acids are also called omega-3 fatty acids. They are a collection of substances, including alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicoapentaenoic acid (EPA). These essential fatty acids perform important functions in your body. If you do not get enough of them from eating foods, you can take them as a supplement and enjoy these great health benefits.
Lower Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
Essential fatty acids such as fish oil are known to lower triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a substance in your blood that may lead to a hardening of the arteries or a blockage in the arteries. Essential fatty acids also help to lower low density lipoprotein levels (LDL). LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, increases the risk of heart disease. By lowering your LDL and triglyceride levels, you may have a lower risk of heart disease.
Enhanced Eye Health
Essential fatty acids are also essential to your family’s eye health. Eating foods rich in essential fatty acids or taking a fatty acid supplement promote the drainage of intraocular fluid and reduces pressure in the eye. Some professionals, like Dr. Robt. L Evans, knows that they also decrease the risk of eye disorders such as macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, and glaucoma. The fatty acids are especially helpful to the development of vision in babies.
Less Depression
Cultures around the world that eat a lot of fish, nuts and seeds high in essential fatty acids have a lower prevalence of depression. Taking a fish oil supplement may help prescription anti-depressants to work better. They may also enhance the effects of medications that are used to treat bipolar disorder.
Reduced Inflammation
Essential fatty acids play an important role in the reduction of inflammation and the disruption of the inflammatory process. In people with asthma, the inflammation process is known to trigger asthma attacks. Further research is needed, but medical researchers suspect that taking an essential acid supplement may reduce the risk of asthma attacks and make symptoms easier to control. The fatty acids may also reduce flare-ups of other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. People with rheumatoid arthritis to consume essential fatty acid supplements may have less pain, swelling and flares in their joints.
Essential fatty acids are required by your body to perform many functions. They also have these helpful preventive effects that can increase your family’s overall health. When you are considering which healthy foods and dietary supplements to include in your diet and that of your family, essential fatty acids are a wise choice.
