HEALTH REPORT
OMG! Omega fatty acids help to prevent and treat so many problems. Let us look at why you should amp up your intake. Omegas for all-round health
The omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids have extremely important roles in many body systems, including the brain, nerves, immune system, cardiovascular system, eyes and skin. It is important to balance the proportion of their intake, with a ratio of 1:1 being considered ideal. However, over the past 50 years, the proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 has increased to roughly six to one, which may be a factor in chronic disease, especially cardiovascular disease. The simplest way to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids is to supplement with fish oil daily.
Acne: Fish oil supplements can help reduce the inflammation associated with acne. Inflammation can be due to excessive quantities of omega-6 fatty acids in conjunction with a relative lack of omega-3 fatty acids. ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder): Children with ADHD are especially prone to having low levels of essential fatty acids. Possibly the most important EFAs for brain function are two omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are found in oily fish. Asthma: Fish oil may help, because asthma is frequently related to an imbalance in dietary fatty acids. BPH (Benign prostatic hypertrophy): Essential fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in supporting the health of the prostate gland; research even suggests that supplementation may improve prostatic enlargement. Bursitis: Clinical and scientific studies show that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids reduces the painful inflammation that is symptomatic of bursitis. Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease. Studies suggest that taking fish oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can be useful in helping to manage colitis. Coronary artery disease: Omega-3 fatty acids have several effects in the body that have been shown to lower the likelihood of heart problems. For example, they elevate levels of HDL (‘good’) cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and also thin the blood. Depression: Evidence has linked depression to inadequate fatty acid intake and metabolism. Countries where oily fish is a prime dietary component, such as Japan, generally have lower rates of depression. Eczema: Research suggests that people with eczema may not be able to metabolise EFAs correctly, but that taking fish oil at least reduces the scaling and itchiness. Rheumatoid arthritis: There is some evidence that both omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids can be effective in controlling painful symptoms.
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ISSUE 71 • 2024
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