Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important, so you have likely heard about some of the benefits of them, especially DHA. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid essential for both our brain and body.
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most widely studied and support beneficial nutrients.
Omega-3 fats such as DHA can have very beneficial anti-inflammatory effects on our bodies.
DHA’s anti-inflammatory properties may reduce the risk of chronic diseases that are common with age, such as heart and gum disease, and improve autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause joint pain.
In a 10-week study in 38 people with rheumatoid arthritis, 2,100 mg of DHA daily decreased the number of swollen joints by 28%, compared to a typical placebo.
Other studies show that omega-3s can also improve bone strength by boosting the amount of calcium in your bones, which should lead to a reduced risk of osteoporosis.
Adding DHA – Omega 3’s into your diet can help alleviate inflammation you may be experiencing.
Having a healthy heart is crucial for our overall health. Our heart is what keeps us going – which is why it is called our ‘ticker’.
DHA – Omega 3’s work to decrease our blood triglycerides and increase our ‘good’ HDL cholesterol which can improve our overall cholesterol levels.
Omega-3s can help keep blood platelets from clumping together – which helps to prevent the formation of harmful blood clots. They also help to keep our arteries clear by working to prevent plaque that can restrict and harden the arteries.
Omega-3s can also help to reduce blood pressure levels in those with high blood pressure.
DHA aids the body in serotonin, a nerve messenger which can help balance your mood. The anti-inflammatory effects of these omega-3 fats on nerve cells may reduce depression.
DHA is a major structural component of the retina of the eye.
When you don’t get enough DHA, vision problems may arise, such as dry eyes, vision problems, and an increase in eye pressure.
Ensuring sufficient amounts of omega-3 are consumed, is linked to a reduced risk of macular degeneration, one of the world’s leading causes of permanent eye damage and blindness.
We all need sleep for optimal health. Sleep deprivation has been linked to many illnesses such as diabetes and depression.
Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids are commonly associated with sleep problems in children and obstructive sleep apnea in adults.
Low levels of DHA are also linked to lower levels of melatonin, which helps you fall asleep.
Studies conducted in both children and adults showed that supplementing with omega-3 increases the length as well as the quality of sleep
Having an autoimmune disease results in the immune system mistaking healthy cells for foreign cells and actually starts attacking them.
A great example of this is Type 1 Diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system is actually attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 1 diabetes is one prime example, in which your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.
Omega-3s can help combat some of these diseases and may be especially important during early life.
Omega-3s can also help treat illnesses such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.
And of course, these essential fats are beneficial for our skin also!
DHA is a structural component of the skin. It is responsible for the health of cell membranes, which make up a large part of the skin. When our cell membranes are healthy, it results in soft, moist, supple, and wrinkle-free skin.
They can help in regulating the skin’s oil production, improve skin hydration, reduce breakouts and minimize signs of aging. Omega-3s can also protect your skin from sun damage.
DHA is an omega-3 fat that comes from food – primarily seafood such as fish, shellfish, and algae. As well as supplements. It is ideal if you can consume both foods high in DHA Omega-3 and supplements as DHA omega-3 fatty acids are not something our bodies typically produce much of.
You can also get omega-3 from seeds and nuts, like flax seeds and walnuts. These foods also contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a small part of which can be converted into EPA and DHA in your body
A great way to add this essential fatty acid into your daily routine is with Complete Collagen+. Just 1 serving a day can provide your body with 400mg of DHA – Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Incorporate more DHA – Omega 3’s into your diet, and let your body reap all the benefits!
Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23966110/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11997274/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12433513/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2136947/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24605819/