Fish

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential Fatty acids, benefits, uses.

Omega 3 is the name given to a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids or essential fatty acids. Omega 3 or the essential fatty acids are vital for the healthy functioning of all organs but they cannot be synthesized by the body.
The main components of Omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid EPA and docosahexaenoic acid DHA.

Dietary sources include :
- Fortified eggs and oils derived from microalgae.
- Dark green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed oil and Soya.
- Cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, sardines, mackerel, herring, anchovies and tuna and fish oils are the best overall source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Flaxseeds actually contain higher concentrations.
- Fruit juices and bread or other fortified foods (Kiwifruit, strawberries and Black Raspberry are very good sources in fruits).

Omega 3 fatty acids are the building blocks of our cell membranes and neurological system. They play a crucial role in many functions of the body.

Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

- A brain booster : The majority of the brain is made up of “good” fats knows as fatty acids, and the majority of this “good” fat is Omega-3. It actually increases learning ability, problem-solving skills, focus, memory, and communication between cells.
- Helps to maintain a healthy mental ability.
- It lowers the arthritis symptoms.
- Helps to loose weight.
- Regular consumption of fish oils may help diabetics by lowering their triglycerides and diabetes markers called apoproteins.
- Lubrication of skin arteries and digestive tract.
- Promote an increase in the levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol while also decreasing triglycerides or fatty material.
- Increases Immune System.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Reduces skin ailments.
- Supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure significantly in individuals with hypertension.
- Essential fatty acids have been used to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing in burn victims.
- Reduces colon, prostate, breast cancer risk.
- EPA plus DHA can produce a 45% reduction in serum triglyceride level.

Negative effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

- It could cause more bleeding if somebody is already bruised.
- Gas, bloating and loose bowels may be experienced.
- People allergic to sea food should not take fish supplements.
- Pregnant and nursing women shouldn’t eat more than a single serving of oily fish per week.

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What are different health benefits of eating fish.

Since the human body can’t make significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, or the “good” fats, fish are an important part of the diet. Fish is a high-protein, low-fat food that provides a range of health benefits. A single 150 gram serving of fish or other seafood provides from 50%-60% of daily protein needs of an adult. All seafood is low in fat, generally less than 5%. The majority of fish types are low in cholesterol with the exception of prawns, squid and fish roe.
Omega 3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient.

- Children who eat fish may be less likely to develop asthma.
- Fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids can contribute to the health of brain tissue and the retina.
- The omega 3 fatty acids in fish may reduce the risk of many types of cancers by 30 to 50 per cent.
- People who regularly eat fish have a lower incidence of depression.
- Eating fish during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of delivering a premature baby.
- Regular fish consumption may relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and autoimmune disease.
- Fish is high in protein and low in fat.
- Breastfed babies of mothers who eat fish have better eyesight.
Healthy ways to cook fish are baking, shallow frying, grilling, poaching and steaming.

Advantages of Omega-3 fatty acids

- It helps in maintaining cardiovascular health by playing a role in the regulation of blood clotting and vessel constriction;
- Important for prenatal and postnatal neurological development.
- Reduce tissue inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Plays a beneficial role in irregular heartbeat.