Omega-3 fights depression and anxiety

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world. Symptoms include sadness, lethargy, and a general loss of interest in life. Anxiety, also a common disorder, is characterized by persistent worry and nervousness. Interestingly, studies show that people who regularly consume Omega-3 are less likely to be depressed. Moreover, when people with depression or anxiety start taking Omega-3, their symptoms improve significantly. Another study found that EPA is as effective against depression as a general antidepressant. DHA deficiency in children is linked to later problems such as learning difficulties, aggressive behavior, and others.

Omega-3 improves eye health

DHA is a major structural component of the retina of the eye. When a person does not get enough DHA, vision problems can occur – adequate intake of Omega-3 is associated with a reduced risk of macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of permanent eye damage and blindness.

Omega-3 may boost brain health during pregnancy and early life

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain growth and development in infants. DHA makes up 40% of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain and 60% of the retina of the eye. Adequate Omega-3 intake during pregnancy is associated with numerous benefits for children, including:

- Higher intelligence;
- Better communication and social skills;
- Fewer behavioral problems;
- Reduced risk of developmental delay;
- Reduced risk of autism and cerebral palsy

Omega-3 can improve risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of death worldwide. Decades ago, scientists noted that these diseases were rare in communities that ate more fish. It was later found that this was due to the consumption of Omega-3 - since then, they have been associated with numerous heart health benefits, namely:

- Triglycerides: Omega-3 can lead to a significant reduction in triglycerides, typically in the range of 15-30%;
- Blood pressure: Omega-3 can lower blood pressure levels;
- "Good" cholesterol: Omega-3 can raise "good" cholesterol;
- Blood clots: Omega-3 can thin blood platelets. This helps prevent the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in people prone to them;
- Plaque: Omega-3 helps break down plaque, which can restrict and harden arteries;
- Inflammation: Omega-3 reduces the production of certain substances released during the body's inflammatory response.

Omega-3 fights inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response to infections and damage in the body. Sometimes it persists for a longer time, even without infection or injury – this condition is called chronic or long-term inflammation. It can contribute to the development of almost every chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Separately, Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the production of molecules and substances associated with inflammation, such as inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines.

Omega-3 fights autoimmune diseases

In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign invaders and begins to attack them. Type 1 diabetes is an excellent example where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Omega-3 fatty acids can fight some of these diseases. Studies show that getting enough Omega-3 during the first year of life is associated with a reduced risk of many autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Omega-3 also helps treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis.