Omega-3 fatty acids have become an essential contribution for the human being since they help to produce hormones and regulate them, playing a protective role against external and internal aggressors and other conditions. However, these acids are not produced from scratch, but must be obtained through different foods rich in Omega-3.
According to the Harvard Public School of Medicine, Omega-3 fatty acids’ are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and affect the function of cell receptors on these membranes. They provide the starting point for producing hormones that regulate blood clotting, the contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation. Omega-3 fats have been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke, may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis, and may play protective roles against cancer and other conditions.’
There are three main types of Omega-3: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which come from fish, which is why they are referred to as marine omegas; and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in vegetable oils, nuts, and some animal fats.
To understand more about these important types of fats that have become very beneficial in the human body, we spoke with Alicia Elo Michan, Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Science (on Instagram as @wellnessbyalicia), who explained to us about the wonders of this component and everything we need to know about it.
What is?
‘Omega-3 is a long-chain essential fatty acid; biomolecule composed of lipids containing a chain of hydrogen and carbon, also known as linoleic acid. It is called essential, since the organism of a mammal is incapable of producing it on its own, so it is essential to obtain it through the diet.’
These acids promote health at most levels and at different levels, so “their presence in adequate doses is valuable for balance and essential for proper functioning of the body,” explains the expert.
Since the human body does not produce these acids naturally, the presence of them has become considerable after discovering all the benefits they offer.
Health benefits
Alicia Elo Michan reveals some of the most important benefits of this component, among them, she explains that it promotes concentration and neuronal health, protects the heart, calms inflammation, provides energy for good performance, balances the microbiota and strengthens defenses, and it is also essential for a proper functioning of the reproductive and hormonal system.
A deficiency and imbalance of Omega-3 could cause several health complications. Among them: ‘early memory loss, a depressed immune system open to infection, altered cholesterol and triglyceride levels, asthma, arthritis, mood swings, brittle nails, dandruff, depression, dry skin, polyuria (frequent urination), fatty infiltration in the liver and alopecia (hair loss)’.
