When it comes to essential nutrients, few have been studied as thoroughly as the omega 3 fatty acids found in high-quality fish oil supplements.

Hugely important to overall health and wellness, your body requires these healthy fats to function properly and preserve good health, both in youth and old age. Omega 3 fatty acids play various crucial roles within your body and have been shown to deliver a long list of health rewards when consumed regularly. If you haven't added fish oil supplements to your daily health routine, it may just be the perfect time to start! Let's explore the science-backed benefits of fish oil and how this supplement can support healthy aging and help you reach your wellness goals.

WHAT ARE OMEGA 3S?

Omega 3 fatty acids are a family of beneficial polyunsaturated fats that help nourish and lubricate every part of your body from within. Since your body cannot produce them naturally, it’s essential to obtain these healthy fats through food or dietary supplements, like our Primal Omega 3. This can include fatty fish sources like salmon, mackerel, fish oil, or even flaxseed oil.

Usually derived from certain fish, Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are generally considered the two most essential types of omega 3s for glowing health. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is another type of beneficial fatty acid typically derived from certain nuts, plants, and seeds.

When looking for an omega 3 supplement, it’s important to make sure that your fish oil contains the optimal amounts of Eicosapentaenoic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid (generally at least 800 mg combined). Experts recommend storing your omega 3 supplements either in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark location. It’s also important to avoid taking fish oil with soda or coffee, and to try taking it at around the same time each day with a meal.

WHY ARE OMEGA 3S IMPORTANT FOR GOOD HEALTH?

Healthy fats play a number of key roles when it comes to protecting your health and reducing the risk of many wellness concerns. They help lubricate some of the most important systems in our bodies as well as play a key role in human development.

And although all healthy fats are vital to good health in some way, omega 3s definitely reign supreme when it comes to their long list of health benefits. In fact, it would be hard to find another supplement whose benefits have been as extensively studied and scientifically backed-up as omega 3 fatty acids.

Whether it’s boosting your skin’s appearance or supporting healthy aging, your body requires optimal levels of omega 3 fatty acids to function properly and preserve optimal health.

HOW MUCH OMEGA 3 DO YOU NEED? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a healthy amount of about 1-2 servings of oily fish per week. However, it's important to note that eating excessive amounts of farmed fish in today's world is often not recommended due to possible contamination by heavy metals and other harmful substances when relying heavily on this food source. 

Mercury levels that appear in almost all fresh fish today can pose a significant threat to your health if consumed in large amounts. This fact, along with statistics showing that most people don't regularly consume this much fish, is where fish oil supplements got their start.

Fish oils came about as a way to deliver a concentrated version of the same important health benefits while putting additional testing measures in place to eliminate mercury or other heavy metals found naturally in most omega-rich fish sources. But not all supplements are created equally. It's essential to look for fish oil supplements that are third party lab tested for any traces of heavy metals or contaminants like lead or mercury.

For vegetarians, fitness enthusiasts, or folks who don't want to eat farmed fish directly, omega supplements provide a great option for reaping the many health benefits of these fatty acids. Whichever way you look at it, omegas are absolutely essential for strong health, and most of our diets are sorely lacking in this healthy fat.

WHICH FOODS CONTAIN THE MOST OMEGA 3S?

The foods that contain the highest amounts of natural omega 3 fatty acids include: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, oysters, herring, soybeans, fish oils, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

Since the majority of people could use more omega 3s in their diet (especially those who don't eat much fish), a high-quality fish oil supplement (like our Primal Omega 3) is often recommended. Fish oil supplements are generally considered very affordable, safe with little to no side effects, easy to find, and may have multiple benefits when taken consistently. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS?

Taking fish oil or eating fish sources as part of a healthy routine has been shown to support general wellness in a number of vital ways, with health benefits ranging from heart health to skin hydration and mood. Studies suggest that taking fish oil may help prevent a number of health concerns and keep us feeling our best, especially when rich in EPA and DHA. 

HERE ARE THE TOP BENEFITS OF TAKING FISH OIL

Fish oils have been researched for a wide range of benefits that target whole body wellness and healthy aging. Here are the top five scientifically studied benefits of these must-have supplements:

1. May Help Promote Heart Health

Omega 3s have been thoroughly studied for their potential ability to lower triglycerides. and support general cardiovascular wellness. So far, some studies have shown that they have the possibility to lower triglyceride levels by as much as  15-30%, often resulting in improved heart health and increased  “good” HDL cholesterol. With heart disease, heart attack and stroke being the  world’s leading causes of death, the ongoing research into any potential ties between fish oil supplements and cardiovascular wellness is hugely important. Although research is still ongoing, we can't wait to see what studies emerge next on the possibilities that omega 3 supplements may reduce the risk of cardiovascular related concerns.

2. May Help Promote Inflammatory Responses

Chronic inflammation has been linked to almost every major Western disease. In fact, it's even been referred to as the "unifying theory of disease" in one Harvard newsletter article. Truthfully, we're only beginning to learn about the true importance of inflammation.

Although inflammation is a normal response to infection and other issues within the body, persistent ongoing inflammation can result in issues such as increased joint pain and overall aches and discomfort. Numerous studies have consistently found that omega 3 supplementation may have the potential to support optimal inflammatory responses in the body. In one study, many patients reported  less joint aches and increased grip strength when taking omega 3s. 

3. May Help Naturally Boost Mood

Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. Recent research has found that supplementing with a fish oil supplement (particularly EPA) may help give your mood a natural boost. In one study, low mood-related symptoms lessened significantly in study participants when given fish oil supplements, when compared to participants not given the supplement. Although there is still more research to be done, these are very exciting results!

4. May Help Boost Skin’s Appearance

If your skin is dull, dry, flaky, or irritated, or if you suffer from an inflammatory skin condition, there’s a good chance your diet may be lacking essential fatty acids. This is because omega 3s hydrate your skin from within, promote a healthy skin cell membrane, and help prevent premature skin aging. If you dream of smooth, supple, glowing skin, it’s important to know that fish oil may help with balancing oil production and protecting your skin from harmful sun damage. 

5. May Help Protect Cognitive Wellness & Mental Clarity

Omega 3s are essential for early human development, but let’s not forget that they are equally as important for supporting healthy aging. Although more research is still needed, many studies have found that the omega 3s in fish oil supplements may have neuroprotective properties that could potentially slow age-related cognitive decline and promote mental clarity, memory, and focus.

6. May Promote Better Quality Sleep

Sleep deprivation can wreak absolute havoc on our entire body, potentially increasing our risk of diabetes, depression, obesity, and more. Low levels of the fatty acid DHA has been shown in some studies to decrease melatonin levels in the body, an essential hormone for good sleep. Numerous other studies have also shown that omega 3 fatty acids may also help improve overall sleep quality in children and adults alike. 

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SIGNS OF OMEGA 3 FATTY ACID DEFICIENCY?

1. Short attention span and low focus

2. Mood swings or low mood

3. Excessive thirst

4. Dry, brittle hair and flaky scalp

5. Weak, brittle nails

6. Difficulty falling or staying asleep

7. Dry, bumpy, or rough skin

8. Poor overall wellness

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH FISH OIL

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or worry that your diet may be lacking, it’s always best to speak to a medical professional for a proper diagnosis before starting a new supplement routine, especially as it pertains to preexisting conditions or medications. Many lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and diabetes, can all affect your body's metabolism of healthy fats.

SUMMARY

Whereas many nutritional supplements still have a long way to go when it comes to scientific research, the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are well-established in scientific and medical studies. Learn more about Primal Omega 3, our sustainably harvested Norwegian fish oil with 1000 mg of EPA and DHA, by clicking here.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED LEARNING ABOUT THE MANY BENEFITS OF FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS. LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW TO LET US KNOW WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE FROM US NEXT! 

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