Omega-3 fatty acids have numerous health benefits. They lower elevated triglyceride levels, prevent many diseases and help fight anxiety and depression.

Healthy Body and Healthy Skin

Fighting the diseases and conditions that affect the skin is greatly helped by Omega-3 fatty acids. For starters, they (EPA in particular) fight depression and anxiety, the most common mental disorders of our times. DHA helps improve eye health, being a component of the retina.

 

Research has shown that communities consuming a fish-based diet have low rates of strokes and heart attacks, the two main fatal health conditions. Not only do they lower triglyceride levels by 15–30 percent, but they also boost HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, lower high blood pressure and reduce inflammation.

 

Omega-3s reduce symptoms of metabolic syndrome, including central obesity, high triglyceride levels, insulin resistance and high blood pressure.

 

Finally, Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for brain development in infants and have also proven to be helpful during pregnancy. DHA alone makes up 40 percent of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain and 60 percent in the eye retina. Sufficient quantities of Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy spell various benefits for the child, including decreased risk of ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, hyperactivity and restlessness.

 

Omega-3 fatty acids help the body fight autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

 

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

 

The three crucial omega-3 fatty acids — EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ALA (α-linolenic acid) — are primarily found in cold water fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna, black cod, anchovies and sardines), nuts, seeds, spinach and kidney beans. Omega-3 dietary supplements include fish oil, cod liver oil, krill oil and algal oil (vegetarian).

 

Recommended daily amounts have been established only for ALA, as follows:

 

•       Men: 1.6 g
•       Women: 1.1 g
•       Pregnant women: 1.4 g
•       Children 1 to 3: 0.7 g
•       Children 4 to 8: 0.9 g
•       Boys 9 to 13: 1.2 g
•       Girls 9 to 13: 1.0 g
•       Teenage boys: 1.6 g
•       Teenage girls: 1.1 g

As for EPA and DHA (combined), no more than 3 g per day should be consumed (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration).

 Amounts per serving of the common Omega-3 rich foods (mg):

•       Chia seeds (4,915)
•       Mackerel (4,107)
•       Salmon (4,023)
•       Herring (3,181)
•       Cod Liver Oil (2,664)
•       Walnuts (2,542)
•       Flaxseeds (2,338)
•       Sardines (2,205)
•       Soybeans (1,241)
•       Caviar (1,086)
•       Anchovies (951)
•       Oysters (565)

 

How Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help the Skin?

 

 Omega-3 fatty acids are strong anti-inflammatories. Not only do they offer protection from the UV rays, but they also protect the skin from inflammation. They fight wrinkles and keep the skin hydrated, being a key factor in the fat content of the skin.

 Contrary to common belief, Omega-3 fatty acids don’t render these benefits only when applied topically. Ingestion also works, which is noteworthy, as numerous studies show that not many people ingest sufficient quantities of Omega-3 rich foods.

 Omega-3 fatty acids help treat and prevent a number of skin conditions, including the above mentioned psoriasis, which may be treated by both dietary and supplemental Omega-3s. In addition, Omega-3s decrease the risk of skin cancer, photo-aging, atopic skin conditions and sunburn.

DHA is a major structural component of the skin, taking care of cell membranes. EPA is beneficial in that it manages hydration and oil production of the skin, reduces premature aging and the risk of acne, and prevents hyperkeratinization of hair follicles.

 Being anti-inflammatory, Omega-3s regulate inflammation, decreasing the likelihood of developing acne, rosacea and psoriasis. Regular intake of Omega-3s decrease IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) and prevent hyperkeratinization (thickening of the outermost layer of the epidermis).

 Some skin conditions — including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis — have been proven to be positively affected by omega-3s, which also reduce scaling, erythema and pruritus.

Instead of a Conclusion

 

Omega-3s are capable of slowing down the aging process on top of offering a slew of other health benefits. ALA, in particular, is an essential fatty acid, which means the body cannot produce it. It is essential, therefore, to consume sufficient amounts of Omega-3s on a regular basis, given that they are components of all the membranes surrounding body cells.