Omega-3 : good for the heart and brain

Joaquim A | 25 February 2024
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Omega-3 :  good for the heart and brain
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    Omegas are polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are important for human health. There are two types of omega :

    • Omega-3s are mainly found in oily fish, nuts and seeds, as well as in certain vegetables and vegetable oils. They are known for their role in regulating inflammation, and can be beneficial for heart and brain health.
    • Omega-6 is mainly found in vegetable oils, seeds and nuts. They also play a role in regulating inflammation, but it is advisable to limit omega-6 intake, as excess may be associated with health problems such as inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

    It is important to consume an adequate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 to maintain good health. Studies have shown that consumption of oily fish rich in omega-3 can be beneficial for heart and brain health, while consumption of omega-6 can be beneficial for heart and brain health.studies have shown that consumption of omega-3-rich fatty fish can benefit heart and brain health, while consumption of omega-6-rich vegetable oils can benefit skin and hair.

    Description of omegas

    Omegas are polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are types of fat that our bodies cannot produce themselves. They must be obtained through the diet or dietary supplements. There are two main types of omega : omega-3 and omega-6.

    Omega-3s are mainly found in oily fish, nuts and seeds, as well as in certain vegetables and vegetable oils. They are known for their role in regulating inflammation and can be beneficial for heart and brain health. The main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

    Omega-6s are mainly found in vegetable oils, seeds and nuts. They also play a role in regulating inflammation, but it's advisable to limit omega-6 intake, as excess can be associated with health problems such as inflammation and cardiovascular disease. The main omega-6 fatty acids are linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA).

    It is important to consume an adequate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 to maintain good health. Studies have shown that consumption of oily fish rich in omega-3 can be beneficial for heart and brain health, while consumption of omega-6 can be beneficial for heart and brain health.omega-6-rich vegetable oils can be beneficial for skin and hair.

    How were omegas discovered ?

    Omegas were discovered in the early 20th century, when scientists began to study fatty acids and their role in human health. In 1922, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3, was isolated for the first time by French researchers. In 1929, linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6, was isolated by German researchers.

    Over the following years, many other omega fatty acids were discovered and studied, and their role in human health began to be better understood. Today, omegas are widely recognized as important for health, particularly heart and brain health. They are also known for their role in regulating inflammation, and for their potential benefits for skin and hair.

    Properties of omegas

    Omegas are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play an important role in human health. Here are just a few of their properties :

    1. Inflammation regulation : omega-3 and omega-6 play an important role in regulating inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that eating oily fish rich in omega-3 can reduce inflammation and benefit heart and brain health.

    2. Heart health : omega-3s have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by regulating cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. Eating oily fish rich in omega-3s may be beneficial for heart health.

    3. Brain health : omega-3s are known to be beneficial for brain health. Studies have shown that consumption of omega-3-rich fatty fish can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

    4. Skin and hair : omega-6s have been shown to be beneficial for skin and hair. They can help regulate skin hydration and maintain hair suppleness and elasticity.

    It is important to consume an adequate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 to maintain good health. However, it is recommended to limit omega-6 intake, as excess may be associated with health problems such as inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

    Omega use and dosage

    An adequate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 is recommended to maintain good health. Here are a few ways to consume omegas :

    1. Diet : omegas can be consumed by eating foods rich in these fatty acids. Oily fish, such as salmon, herring and mackerel, are good sources of omega-3s. Nuts, seeds and vegetable oils, such as olive oil, linseed oil and coconut oil, are also rich in omega-3 and omega-6.

    2. Dietary supplements : it is possible to take dietary supplements containing omega-3 or omega-6. These supplements can be found in capsule, capsule or oil form. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult a physician before taking any supplements.

    There are no precise recommended doses for omegas, but here are some general guidelines :

    • For omega-3s, it's recommended to consume at least 250 mg of EPA and DHA per day. For people with heart disease or mental disorders, up to 1,000 mg per day may be recommended.

    • For omega-6, it is recommended to limit intake to less than 5% of total calorie intake. This means that if you consume 2,000 calories a day, you should consume no more than 100 calories in the form of omega-6.

    It's important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking omega supplements, as they may interact with certain medications and health conditions.

    Precautions when using omegas

    It's important to follow a few precautions when consuming omegas :

    1. Balance : it is important to consume an adequate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 to maintain good health. Studies have shown that excessive omega-6 consumption can be associated with health problems such as inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

    2. Drug interactions : omegas can interact with certain drugs, such as anticoagulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood pressure medications. It's important to consult a doctor before taking omega supplements if you're already taking medication.

    3. Allergies : some people may be allergic to omegas, particularly nuts and seeds. If you have known allergies, it's important to check food and supplement labels to make sure they don't contain ingredients you're allergic to.

    4. Pregnancy and breast-feeding : it's advisable to consult a doctor before taking omega supplements during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

    It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult a physician or healthcare professional before taking omega supplements. This will help you avoid drug interactions and other potential side effects.

    What's the current state of omega research ?

    Research on omegas has shown numerous benefits for human health. Here are just a few examples of what research has shown :

    1. Heart health : studies have shown that eating oily fish rich in omega-3 can reduce the risk of heart disease by regulating cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.

    2. Brain health : omega-3s are known to be beneficial for brain health. Studies have shown that consumption of omega-3-rich fatty fish can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

    3. Inflammation : omega-3s and omega-6s play an important role in regulating inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that eating oily fish rich in omega-3 can reduce inflammation and benefit heart and brain health.

    4. Skin and hair : omega-6s have been shown to be beneficial for skin and hair. They can help regulate skin hydration and maintain hair suppleness and elasticity.

    Omega in dietary supplements

    Omega dietary supplements are products that contain omega-3 or omega-6, or both. They can be found in capsule, capsule or oil form, and are intended to be taken as a supplement to the diet to provide additional amounts of omegas.

    There are many omega dietary supplements on the market, which can be found online or in health and nutrition stores. It's important to read the labels and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to take the supplement and how much to take.

    It's also important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking omega dietary supplements, as they can interact with certain medications and health conditions. It is recommended not to exceed the recommended dose, and not to use dietary supplements as a replacement for a balanced diet.

    Fish : a source of Omega 3

    Oily fish, such as salmon, herring and mackerel, are good sources of omega-3. They are also rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.

    However, it's important to note that some oily fish may contain heavy metals such as mercury, which can be harmful to human health if consumed in high quantities. Oily fish may also contain other contaminants, such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and dioxins.

    It is recommended to limit consumption of oily fish contaminated by heavy metals and other contaminants, particularly for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children. Lean fish, such as trout, tilapia and catfish, are generally less contaminated and can be a safe and nutritious option.

    It's also advisable to vary the types of fish you eat to minimize the risks associated with contamination. You can consult your country's fish consumption guidelines to find out which fish are safest to eat and in what quantities.

    Published on 25 February 2024 at 13:02

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    Joaquim A

    Joaquim A

    Web Editor

    I have a great passion for nature. I trained as a pharmacist, during which time I acquired a certain amount of knowledge. It is now time to use this knowledge by sharing it with as many people as possible.