New Delhi: Our body needs essential fatty acids like Omega-3, but since it cannot make them on its own, it’s vital to consume the ‘good fats’ through food.
Avoid Omega-3 supplements and instead pick foods enriched with it for its health benefits, suggests Simran Saini, nutritionist and weight loss consultant, Fortis Hospital:
Benefits for Children
Omega-3 is a critical ingredient of brain health and its low levels in the body are associated with poorer reading and memory.
It is essential for cognitive development of children. Children born to mothers who took Omega-3 supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding, score higher on cognitive tests compared to others.
It is proven to benefit eye health, especially infant vision development, by helping the retinal function.
It has been found to be useful for children and teenagers suffering from asthma, attention-deficit disorder and depression.
Benefits for Adults
Omega-3 is beneficial for the heart and can substantially reduce chances of stroke or heart failure. It also decrease the risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats), which can lead to sudden death.
It seems to lower the chances of developing certain types of cancer.
It is good for memory and benefits people suffering from depression or dementia.
Societies which eat a diet rich in Omega-3 have a much lower incidence of depression.
Omega-3 is effective in reducing cholesterol levels. It regulates the amount of bad fat (triglycerides) circulating in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease
It improves blood circulation and oxygen absorption.
It helps curb stiffness and joint pain in patients of rheumatoid arthritis.