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 from 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 with a diet rich in omega-3s were less likely to develop inflammatory joint disease called rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 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 schizophreniacompared to 40% of young people on placebo.
Omega-3s limit epileptic seizures
Neurology researchers at the University of California found that in epilepsy patients who no longer responded to treatment, the seizure frequency was reduced by more than 30% when they took a daily low 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 looking at the impact of omega-3s on heart health showed that a diet high in omega-3s, whether from animal or plant sources, 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-3s during pregnancy and in the weeks following childbirth helps regulate the supply of serotonin (a mood-regulating molecule) and reduces the risk of postpartum depression.
They help to quit smoking
Will we ever see the arrival of fish oil patches 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 studysmokers who swallowed an omega-3 capsule every day for a month reduced their consumption by an average of two cigarettes a day because they felt less of the urge to smoke.
Omega-3s would increase the chances of survival after cancer
After a pancreatic cancer or one bowel canceromega-3 would improve the performance of treatments and the quality of life of patients.
Certainly, the conclusions of these two studies would deserve to be corroborated by other tests to determine what is the necessary dosage for the improvement of 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 with weight regain.
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