Fish oil is rich with Omega 3 fatty acids - here's 6 things you had no idea Omega 3 was important for.
Did you know that almost all of your body's senses are directly connected to your nervous system? Did you know that the health of your nervous system directly affects every functional aspect of your body?
Did you know that the fatty acids in fish oil support and maintain the optimal function of your nervous system? If not, then continue reading.
Nervous system function and fish oil
The brain, spinal cord, and the nerves that connect the two make up the nervous system. The nerves are vital, as they enable communication between the brain and all the other organs in the body.
Fish oil can help the nervous system function better by protecting the health of neurons, improving blood flow to the brain, and reducing oxidative stress. Fish oil can also help reduce the risk of degenerative neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease by decreasing the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain. Amyloid plaques are proteins that can clog up the brain and lead to severe health conditions.
Depression and fish oil
Fish oil is increasingly being studied for its potential use in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). A randomized controlled trial found that people with MDD who took fish oil supplements experienced a significant reduction in symptoms compared to those who took a placebo.
Several studies have found that the fatty acids in fish oil can improve neurotransmitter function, which is often disrupted in people with depression. While more research is needed to understand the connection between fish oil and depression fully, it's clear that these fatty acids have a powerful effect on the human brain.
Vision and fish oil
The retina processes visual information and sends it to the brain via the optic nerve. The retina is composed of light-sensitive tissue rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This means that an increase in omega-3 consumption can lead to an increase in omega-3 in the retina.
This change can help protect against age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of visual impairment in people over 50. According to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, those who consume more omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements than those who are less informed about them have a 9% lower risk of developing macular degeneration.
ADHD and Fish Oil
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder that causes hyperactive and impulsive behavior and difficulty with attention and focus. Several studies have found that fish oil supplements can improve symptoms of ADHD in children and teens.
According to a review published in Nutritional Neuroscience, children and teens who took fish oil supplements for at least three months experienced a significant decrease in ADHD symptoms compared to those who didn't take fish oil. These results suggest that fish oil could be an effective treatment for ADHD, although more research is needed to determine why fish oil has this effect.
Memory and fish oil
As we age, our brains naturally produce less of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. A decline in acetylcholine production is thought to be one of the leading causes of age-related memory loss. Several studies have found that the fatty acids in fish oil can help increase acetylcholine production, which may reduce symptoms of age-related memory loss.
According to a review article in the Journal of the International Society of Neurobiology, people who took fish oil supplements had better memory, learning, and cognition than those who didn't. These results suggest that fish oil could improve memory in people of all ages, but more research is needed to determine the ideal dosage and delivery method.
Muscle growth and fish oil
Our muscles rely on protein to grow and repair themselves after a challenging workout. Many people take extra protein supplements to boost their muscle growth and recovery, but fish oil may be a healthier alternative. According to research in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, taking fish oil supplements increased muscle protein synthesis by 40% compared to taking a placebo.
Additionally, those who took fish oil supplements experienced less muscle damage and recovered faster after a strenuous workout. These findings suggest that fish oil may be as effective as protein supplements for muscle growth and recovery, but without the added calories.
Cardiovascular health and omega-3s
The heart is one of the essential organs in the body, as it pumps blood and delivers it to all the other organs. A healthy heart benefits the rest of the body, and a diseased heart can lead to serious health problems. Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and hypertension affect millions of people around the world.
Some studies have found that fish oil supplements can significantly reduce blood pressure, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Fish oil may also help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.
These findings suggest that fish oil can improve cardiovascular health, but more studies are needed to establish a direct link. You had yet to learn that Omega 3 was essential for these six things.
They're also just six reasons why we recommend taking fish oil supplements. If you need help deciding which supplement to take, we recommend choosing a fish oil brand that has been molecularly distilled. Molecularly distilled fish oil is pure and free of impurities that can affect its shelf life.
