Omega 3 Oil Benefits, Personalized for You!
Most people have heard about the benefits of fish oil but did you know that Omega-3 fatty acids, from fish oil, are often considered miracle nutrients? Studies have connected the consumption (or deficiency) of these essential fatty acids to chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, inflammation, brain health and yes, life extension. In fact, a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that “omega-3 supplementation increases life expectancy by almost five years," as Dr. Aleix Sala-Vila, a postdoctoral researcher in the IMIM's Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group and author of the study.
But how much does a person need to take in a day? Does one size fit all or does the amount differ from person to person? These questions are becoming more prevalent as personalization in all things, including nutrition become more and more popular. But first, let’s dive into what Omega 3 oils is are why they are good for us.
What Are Omega-3s?
Omega-3 fatty acids are long chains of fats found naturally in many of our healthiest foods, especially wild salmon, which has more than 1,500 milligrams in a 3-ounce portion. They're called "essential" fatty acids because the human body cannot produce them naturally, so the only way we can consume them is through our diet or by supplementing.
What Are Some Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Cognitive Health: Based on this research, it appears that fish oil supplements may be most beneficial when people start taking them in the early stages of brain function decline. If you wait too long, fish oil may be of little benefit to the brain. Several studies have suggested that taking fish oil supplements may improve brain function in people with more mild types of brain conditions like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or age-related cognitive decline. These types of conditions aren’t quite as severe as Alzheimer’s disease, but they still result in memory loss and sometimes other types of impaired brain function. One study gave 485 older adults with age-related cognitive decline either 900 mg of DHA or a placebo every day. After 24 weeks, those taking DHA performed better on memory and learning tests. Similarly, another study investigated the effects of taking 1.8 grams of omega-3s from fish oil supplements daily for 24 weeks. The researchers found improvements in brain function in people with MCI, but no benefits for those with Alzheimer’s disease (12Trusted Source).
Decreased Hunger Levels: In a study of 232 overweight and obese volunteers in the journal Appetite, researchers put obese and overweight subjects who were in the last two weeks of an eight-week weight-loss plan on either high or low doses of omega-3s. Those on the high-dose plan reported being more satisfied and less hungry two hours after their meal than those who got the lower dose of omega-3s.
Reduced Inflammation and Increased Fat Burn: A 2010 report in Nutrients found that at sufficiently high intake, omega-3s decrease the production of cytokines—inflammation-promoting compounds produced by belly fat—and improve fat metabolism by altering the expression of inflammatory genes.
Improved Blood Sugar Regulation: Researchers at the Nutrition Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences determined that Omega-3 fatty acids improve glucose metabolism without effects on obesity values were more likely to improve their blood glucose levels and reduce their diabetes risk. Omega-3 fatty acids significantly decreased glucose (by 11.4%, p < 0.001), insulin (by 8.4%, p < 0.05), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (by 21.8%, p < 0.001) compared with placebo.
Do You Need to Take Omega-3 Supplements?
If you want to get more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, the National Institutes of Health recommends 1,100 milligrams (men should get 1,600 milligrams daily) Most health experts agree that the best way to reap the benefits of omega-3 is from food. The World Health Organization recommends 1-2 portions of fish per week to access the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids: but many people do not have regular access to seafood, choose to abstain from meat, or simply don’t like the thought of multiple fish dinners a week!
Another concern for people when eating seafood is the meat’s purity. Some fish contain high levels of methylmercury, a mercury compound which accumulates in streams and oceans. The higher up on the food chain a fish sits, the more mercury it absorbs from the smaller fish it eats.
Always check that your fish oil supplement comes from a pure source and has been processed to eliminate the risk of pollutants. Our Omega 3 fish oil concentrate is manufactured under strict quality control standards. It is tested to be free of potentially harmful levels of contaminants such as PCBs, dioxins, mercury, and other heavy metals. Those who experience nausea or reflux from other fish oils should find this enteric-coated, odor-controlled softgel easier to tolerate.
But what are the best for you?
Life is hard... vitamins don’t have to be. We want to make it easy for you to create your own simple personalized vitamin plan made from the highest quality Vitamin and Minerals. Just take our quick 30 second survey and you’ll get your list of personalized vitamin and nutrient recommendations. Click Here