What are the Benefits of Omega 3?

What is Omega-3?

Omega-3 is the name given to the group of long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids. There are 3 types, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) found in seafood. ALA (alpha linolenic acid) is a plant-derived Omega-3 fatty acid. What are the types of Omega-3? Omega -3 belongs to the group of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

There are 3 types;
Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA)
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

ALA is a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid; It is found in walnuts, flaxseeds, soybeans or green vegetables. EPA and DHA are obtained from seafood. It is abundant in fatty fish and seafood such as sardines, anchovies, salmon and mackerel.


Some of the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids can be listed as follows:

• Omega 3 supports the immune system, which allows the body to fight against diseases. Omega 3 plays a protective role against cardiovascular diseases by reducing triglycerides and bad cholesterol in the blood and increasing good cholesterol.
• In addition, according to scientific studies, EPA fatty acid, one of the Omega 3 fatty acids, has a blood pressure lowering and vasodilating effect, reducing the risk of blood clot formation and heart attack.
• Omega 3 fatty acids, thanks to their anti-inflammatory effect, help relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which manifests itself with symptoms such as pain in the joints, edema, rash and high fever.
• According to scientific research, Omega 3 fatty acids help protect from cancer. It is known to be especially effective in preventing pancreatic and gastrointestinal system cancers. There is plenty of DHA in the retina.
• Therefore, it can be said that Omega 3 fatty acids are effective on the health of the eye structure.
• Omega 3 fatty acids play a supportive role on the male reproductive system.
• Omega 3 fatty acids are known to have an analgesic effect.
• Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish reduce the risk of diabetes by increasing the function of insulin in the body.
• Omega 3 is a very important fatty acid during pregnancy. During this period, Omega 3 passes from mother to baby with the help of the placenta. If the mother does not have enough Omega 3, the brain development of the baby will be negatively affected. In addition, the risk of preterm labor and premature birth is reduced in expectant mothers who eat a diet rich in Omega 3 during pregnancy. EPA and DHA fatty acids support the regeneration and proliferation of brain cells.
• Contrary to popular belief, Omega 3 fatty acids fight obesity and overweight. When Omega 3 is consumed along with physical activity, it accelerates the weight loss process.
• According to some research, Omega 3 fatty acids help prevent the emergence of psychological disorders such as depression or relieve the symptoms of these diseases. According to recent studies, Omega 3 fatty acids help protect the kidneys thanks to their antioxidant effect.

What is Omega-3 used for?

• Reducing the risk of heart disease
• Reducing inflammation in the body
• Support eye health
• Supporting brain health
• Reducing symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children
• Alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety prevent high blood pressure reduce the risk of asthma
• Supporting eye and brain development in the fetus during pregnancy and breastfeeding Lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels reduce insulin resistance
• Support skin health

What Diseases Does Omega 3 Deficiency Cause?
Various health problems may occur in case of deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids. Some of the health problems that may occur in Omega 3 deficiency are as follows:

• Deterioration in mental functions,
• Increase in cardiovascular diseases,
• clotting disorders,
• vision problems,
• Weak immune system against diseases,
• infertility in men,
• Muscle and joint inflammation,
• Growth retardation in fetuses and children,
• skin problems

Where is Omega 3 found?
The best source of Omega 3 is fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna and sardines. But apart from this, omega 3 is also found in foods such as flax seeds, walnuts, purslane, Brussels sprouts, dried beans and chickpeas. Additionally, breast milk is a natural source of omega 3. Therefore, for the first 6 months, the baby should be fed only breast milk.