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In changeable weather, and not only then, it's good to give our body the strength it needs. That strength lies in food, water and dietary supplements, which supply us with everything necessary to stay fresh and full of positive energy.
Regular intake of fish oil has a number of benefits for our body. Each of the valuable omega-3 fatty acids it contains supports different aspects of our health.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of the two most valuable acids, alongside docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is responsible for cardiovascular function, improves concentration and has a number of other beneficial properties. One of our upcoming articles will focus on the effects of DHA, but the main benefits of taking EPA are:
Good prevention against heart disease
Regular intake of eicosapentaenoic acid by people predisposed to some type of heart problem helps lower triglycerides in the blood. It also reduces the amount of plaque that forms on artery walls – allowing blood to flow normally. It also has a preventive effect against the occurrence of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm) and the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels. Blood clots can be truly dangerous, and people predisposed to forming them are often unaware of the potential harm they can cause.
Besides fish oil, fattier fish such as salmon, cod and herring also have a high EPA content. The American Dietetic Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. It can be concluded that EPA offers a whole “package” of benefits for people who are genetically predisposed to heart problems.
Reduces depressive states
Depression is a common mood disorder, most often affecting emotions and thoughts. It is associated with sadness, feelings of anxiety and loss of interest. People who find themselves in this state tend to easily lose interest even in their hobbies and loved ones. The beneficial effect of this fatty acid on depression symptoms has been demonstrated in a number of clinical studies.
These studies report improvement in patients who took omega-3 fatty acids - greater effectiveness has been observed with the intake of eicosapentaenoic acid. One of the properties of fatty acids is that they easily cross the brain's cell membrane and interact with the part of the brain responsible for mood. In people who took EPA, a change was observed in relation to the initial symptoms of depression.
Support for ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, better known as ADHD, is becoming an increasingly common occurrence among children and young people. ADHD is characterized by a lack of concentration, difficulty memorizing information of various kinds, and poor language skills. This could have a negative impact on school performance and even reduce their social skills. One of the main proven benefits of fish oil is precisely the improvement of behavior and concentration.
A one-year clinical study in children aged 9 to 10 shows a significant change – with regular fish oil intake, 64% of the children showed improvement in reading comprehension. This is due to eicosapentaenoic acid, which turns out to be a key factor in young people's motivation and focus when carrying out their daily tasks.
Relieves menopause symptoms
Numerous studies show the positive effect of eicosapentaenoic acid on the symptoms of women going through menopause. Chronic fatigue, mood swings, hot and cold flashes – these are just some of the unpleasant reactions of the body during this highly atypical period for women. The emotions they experience at this time can interfere with the completion of daily tasks and work, and can even affect their relationships with loved ones.
Taking EPA has a good effect on important neurophysiological pathways, as it is mainly responsible for the release of serotonin and dopamine – the so-called “happiness hormones”. They help improve mood and encourage positive thoughts, easing this period so filled with hormonal changes.
