Omega-3s are known to be good stress and mood regulators. These essential fatty acids, more particularly in the form of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), indeed slow down the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. Researchers of Inserm even discovered that an omega-3 deficiency could be the cause of certain depressive behaviors.
But the benefits of omega-3s don’t stop at our (good) mood. These strategic lipids for nerve transmission have many other health benefits.
Omega-3s reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis
University of Florida researchers found that people on a diet high in omega-3s were less likely to develop inflammatory joint disease called rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3s would prevent the development of the disease by blocking the production of antibodies, and therefore the inflammatory response.
They also reduce the risk of schizophrenia
Australian researchers prescribed omega-3 supplementation to young patients aged 13 to 25 considered “at risk of psychosis” and compared the effects of this diet with a group of young people who received a placebo. They found that these essential fatty acids significantly reduced the risk of schizophrenia. After 7 years of treatment, only 10% of young people on omega-3 had developed schizophrenia, compared to 40% of young people on placebo.
Omega-3s limit epileptic seizures
Neurology researchers at the University of California found that in patients with epilepsy who no longer responded to treatment, the frequency of seizures was reduced by more than 30% when taking a low daily dose of omega-3. In a very small number of patients, the seizures even disappeared.
They prevent cardiovascular disease
A meta-analysis of 19 studies examining the impact of omega-3s on heart health found that a diet rich in omega-3s, whether animal or plant-based, was associated with a risk lower by about 10% to declare cardiovascular disease or have a heart attack.
Omega-3s prevent postpartum depression
Not to be confused with the baby blues, postpartum depression is a form of depression that affects young mothers and can last for many months. However, Canadian researchers have discovered that a diet rich in omega-3 during pregnancy and in the weeks following childbirth helped regulate serotonin intake (a mood-regulating molecule) and reduce the risk of postpartum depression.
They help to quit smoking
Will we ever see fish oil patches arrive on the market? Who knows … Because according to an Israeli study, taking omega-3 supplementation would reduce the need for nicotine in smokers. For this study, smokers who swallowed one omega-3 capsule every day for a month, on average reduced their consumption by two cigarettes per day because they felt less urge to smoke.
Omega-3s would increase the chances of survival after cancer
After a pancreatic cancer or one bowel cancer, omega-3s would improve the performance of treatments and the quality of life of patients.
Certainly, the conclusions of these two studies deserve to be corroborated by other trials to determine what dosage is necessary for improving the overall health of people with cancer. But it seems that omega-3s have a real role to play in improving cancer treatment and helping weight gain.
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