Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Benefits for Heart, Diabetes & More

Omega-3 is a fatty acid that comes from cold-water fish. The body is incapable of making this oil, and so it must be obtained either through the diet or dietary supplements.

Heart Disease

• Omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent heart disease because of their ability to lower cholesterol. Omega-3 can also lower blood pressure significantly in those with hypertension.

Diabetes

• Omega-3 acids lower triglycerides, which are often raised by diabetes. They may also slightly increase blood sugar in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Depression

• Depression is often caused by an imbalance in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Many patients with severe depression have too little Omega-3 and too much Omega-6 in their diet.

Attention Deficit Disorder

• The levels of EPA and DHA, which are provided by Omega-3 fatty acids, are often low in children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Children with low amounts of these acids often have more tantrums and display other hyperactive symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder

• When taken with other medications for bipolar disorder, Omega-3 can help stabilize bipolar patients. This, however, does not apply to people suffering from rapid cycling bipolar disorder.