Alongside an effective skincare routine, we think it’s important to have a diet that promotes optimal health. You can get most of your vitamin and mineral intake from food, but sometimes it’s easier to take a supplement that gives you the required dose. Omega 3 is something we’re sure you will have heard of, but what actually is it? We're sure you'll also be asking 'Why is Omega 3 beneficial?'. Well, we've got the answers.
What is Omega 3?
Omega 3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. It’s derived from oily fish, however is also found within vegetables. Omega 3 is an overall name used for the 3 different fatty acids; DHA, EPA and ALA. Both DHA and EPA are found in fish and seem to have the strongest health benefits, whilst ALA is found in vegetable oils, walnuts and spinach.
What Are The Benefits Of Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids are known to have a number of positive benefits to your overall health. From your heart, to your joints, it’s benefits on the body seem never-ending.
Improving Hearth Health
They help improve your heart health. Omega-3s have a stabilising effect on your heart, meaning they can help to lower your heart rate and prevent any abnormal heart rhythms. Alongside this, DHA and EPA can lower you triglycerides. Triglycerides are a blood fact that is linked to heart disease, therefore you can potentially lower your risk. They can also aid in reducing blood pressure.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory properties. They help to reduce inflammation in your blood vessels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and is believed to help with asthma in children and young adults.
Fighting Depression
They’re also believed to help fight depression. This is based on a study of cultures that consume high amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids, as it was found that they also have lower levels of depression. Fish oil specifically, is also believed to boost the effects of antidepressants, optimising overall mental health.
Are Omega 3 Fats Good For The Skin?
Yes, Omega 3 fatty acids are good for the skin. DHA is responsible for the health of cell membranes, which ensure your skins structure is strong. If your skin health is high, this will result in soft, supple and wrinkle-free skin.
Another form of Omega 3, EPA, also benefits the skin in a number of ways including managing oil production, managing skins hydration and preventing premature ageing.
When To Take Omega 3 Fatty Acids
It’s advised that you take your Omega 3 supplements with a meal, preferably at dinner time. It may take some time to see any benefits from taking Omega 3, so we’d advise giving it around 8 weeks, as this is when you should start to see notable results.
Adding Omega 3 to your diet is a great way to increase overall health. Make sure you check out our full selection of supplements here on Mankind.
