Have you ever heard of it? This nutrient has great anti-inflammatory properties , but it is also described as a powerful preventative against heart disease . To clear up some doubts and explain what it is actually for, continue reading to learn a little more about the famous omega-3.
What is omega-3?
Omega-3 is a type of healthy fat found largely in fish , and is considered by many to be an elixir for quality of life. However, this thinking needs to be revised to understand its true effectiveness.
This nutrient is not produced by the body, so it is necessary to look for foods that have this source, and the best known are fish. It is quite common to find omega-3 capsules in markets and pharmacies, however, only use it if prescribed by a nutritionist!
It will act on heart health, helping, for example, to regulate blood clotting and hormone synthesis . In other words, it will be effective in balancing and optimizing some actions in the body, without being a total miracle for the body’s health.
Where to find omega-3?
Omega-3 is commonly found in fish, after all, this nutrient is known as fish oil. There are several types within this food group that contain this lipid, so check out some of the available ones below:
- Tuna.
- Mackerel.
- Salmon.
- Sardine.
- Oyster.
- Anchovy.
- Trout.
- And much more!
And remember that the sources don’t end there, as it is also possible to find this source of nutrients in vegetables. It will not be as efficient as in fish, as it is one of the variations of omega-3 found in the plant kingdom. The most common are:
- Chia.
- Linseed.
- Nuts.
- Seeds.
There is no need for concern; it is not exclusively animals that provide this nutrient since grains and seeds are also a great source of it!
What are the benefits of omega-3?
Omega-3 has different advantages in maintaining the body’s health, therefore, some effects can be observed in the presence of this nutrient in the body, among the most common are:
- Anti-inflammatory action: omega-3 helps reduce the production of inflammatory substances and helps prevent cell damage.
- Prevents the formation of clots: it contains anticoagulants and helps prevent serious illnesses that arise with blood clots.
- Helps control blood sugar levels: Omega-3 can optimize insulin resistance, which helps lower blood sugar levels.
- Protects the skin: it has protective actions against the sun and helps with skin hydration and flexibility.
The advantages of omega-3 are numerous, and they will all depend on your nutrition and/or the degree of supplementation you utilise. The other effects on your life can be seen below:
- Helps combat depression.
- Prevents autoimmune diseases.
- Lowers cholesterol.
- Helps combat obesity and sedentary lifestyle .
- Prevents memory loss.
- Improves brain performance.
- Reduces triglycerides.
- Regulates blood pressure.
- And much more!
Did you see how the list goes on and the benefits are incredible?
After all, is omega-3 effective?
Consuming omega-3 will be beneficial in some situations, as it helps optimize the body for certain activities. However, it is not a miracle nutrient as the market claims . You may have positive results in terms of quality of life, but it will not be responsible for reducing heart disease.
To do this, don’t forget to consult a cardiologist to check the condition of your body and avoid health problems, in addition to having the appropriate nutritional monitoring to ensure that the capsules can be used if you need supplementation.
Fish oil is indeed important for the body, but always with due care. Include this food group in your menu and do not consume too much omega-3, as adverse reactions may occur, such as increased cholesterol and bleeding.
Considering all the considerations, don’t forget that to have a good quality of life it is necessary to practice physical exercises, so invest in your diet, in a sport or activity that you enjoy, as good results require investment in well-being .