What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat the body cannot make on its own. They are an essential fat, which means they are needed to survive. Some plants also contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Overview
Fish oil is a dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids. Your body needs omega-3 fatty acids for many functions, from muscle activity to cell growth.
In this article, learn more about fish oils and omega 3 soft gel capsules, including some potential health benefits and some good food sources. Omega-3 is present throughout the body, especially in the brain, retina, and sperm cells. The body cannot produce omega-3 on its own, however, so people need to obtain it from dietary sources.
The Health Benefits of Fish Oil
However, it is not always clear whether or not taking additional omega-3 can offer benefits.
The first published study highlighting the benefits of EPA and DHA dates back to 1971. Since then, thousands of studies have emerged, further supporting the safety and efficacy of fish oil.
Who take probiotics, vitamin D, fish oil supplements, or a combination of these may have a slightly lower risk of developing COVID-19.
Heart Health
Although fish oil can’t prevent a heart attack or stroke, it is study-proven to reduce some of the risk factors associated with both of these conditions, including:
- Increasing “good” HDL cholesterol
- Lowering triglycerides
- Slightly lowering blood pressure
- Slowing the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Reducing abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias.
The following sections outline some of these conditions and some other health benefits that omega-3 may provide.
Safety and side effects
When taken as recommended, fish oil supplements are generally considered safe.
However, fish oil supplements can cause mild side effects, including:
- A fishy aftertaste
- Bad breath
- Heartburn, nausea or diarrhea
- Rash
Taking high doses of fish oil supplements might increase the risk of bleeding and possibly increase the risk of stroke.
Summary
Omega-3 is an essential nutrient that most people can obtain from dietary sources. Consuming more fish oil and triple strength omega-3 fish oil may bring some health benefits, but eating a diet that offers a variety of nutrients is likely to be healthful.
