By Dr S P Pradhan on 15th July, 2023
Omega-3 fatty acids are having enormous implications in health from reducing inflammation to cancer.
Functions of Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega 3 fatty acids also known as “good fats” help in reducing the bad cholesterol level and overall cholesterol level. High cholesterol is involved in many metabolic syndromes and lifestyle diseases like cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.
The incidence of these lifestyle diseases are on the rising trend and a greater cause of morbidity and mortality nowadays.
What is hypercholesterolemia and it’s impact on health?
Hypercholesterolemia means high cholesterol. Cholesterol basically are of two types; good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol is “HDL” and bad cholesterol is “LDL” and “VLDL”. The ultimate aim is to check the bad cholesterol level.
Types of Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega 3 fatty acids also known as alpha- linolenic acid, Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA), Ecosapentaenoic acid(EPA).
Rich Sources of Omega 3 fatty acid
Heart diseases and Heart Attack
Omega 3 fatty acids decrease the cholesterol level and control hypercholesterolemia. They reduce the chances of heart diseases and thromboembolism.
Eye health
Omega- 3 fatty acids reduce incidences of macular degeneration and glaucoma. They reduce inflammation and degeneration.
Cancers
The role of omega 3 fatty acids cannot be ignored at all.The omega 3 fatty reduce decrease incidence of colorectal carcinoma and breast carcinoma.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases
Alzheimer’s disease result in loss of memory and decline in neurocognitive function. Omega-3 restore cognitive function and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
Skin diseases and Eczematous conditions
Maintenance of epithelial integrity and restoration of vital skin functions also aided by proper omega 3 fatty acids intake.
Daily intake of omega 3 fatty acids should be restricted to 5 grams per day.
