Everyone knows that vitamin supplements can be a great way to improve overall health – as part of a balanced diet, of course. However, researchers say that three-quarters of the global population isn’t getting enough Omega-3.
One way to increase your Omega-3 intake is by maintaining a healthy diet and eating foods such as salmon, mackerel, trout, sea bass, or sardines – all of which are rich in Omega-3. According to Harvard Health, the American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fatty fish per week.
“The omega-3s EPA and DHA are essential for health throughout the lifecourse. But to benefit from these nutrients, people first need to understand how much they should be consuming,” said Prof Philip Calder from the University of Southampton, according to LADBible.
Another way to boost Omega-3 levels is by taking fish oil supplements. One doctor says there are five major health benefits to Omega-3 supplements – and that it may take as little as one month to notice them.
Omega-3 fish oil
Dr Eric Berg explains in a video that: “Omega-3 fatty acids are essential. That means that our bodies can’t make them, but we need them. And 70 percent of the entire population is deficient in omega-3.”
The recommended daily intake for adults is 250-500 mg of EPA and DHA, the active forms of Omega-3 found in fish oil. Dr Berg outlined several of the benefits: “EPA primarily helps you reduce inflammation.
“A lot of people have inflammation. You can have inflammation in the joints, so it helps with arthritis. You can have inflammation in the heart, so it can help with your heart.”
Omega-3 is also important for cognitive function.
“DHA is really good for your brain. In fact, your brain is made up of twenty percent DHA. This is why fish oils are really good for memory, cognitive function, attention, focus and learning,” he said.
Regular consumption may also help improve symptoms associated with an Omega-3 deficiency, such as dry eyes. It cam also benefit skin health.
Side effects of Omega-3 supplements
That said, fish oil supplements can come with side effects.
“One little problem that people have with fish oils is the burping,” he said, according to LADBible.
“You don’t want to buy fish oil based on cost because you’re going to basically get rancid fish oils and they’re going to cause more harm than good. This is because fish oils are highly susceptible to being oxidized.
“Sometimes people are allergic to fish oils or fish. If you don’t have a gallbladder or you are deficient in bile and you can’t absorb these fats very easily you may want to add some type of purified bile salt as a supplement.
“If you have some type of inflammatory condition in your gut, you may want to add purified bile salt to start getting more absorption of these omega-3 fatty acids.”
This is not medical advice. If you suspect you’re ill or need guidance regarding your health, always see a medical professional.
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