Dr. Sanjay Agrawal
Leading Pharmaceutical consultant and editor-in chief of IJMToday
- Omega-3s May Help Prevent Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the Western world, and omega-3 fatty acids have long been claimed to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Interestingly, studies show that people who consume the most omega-3s have up to a 55% lower risk of colon cancer.
Additionally, omega-3 consumption is linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. However, not all studies give the same results.
Summary
Omega-3 intake may decrease the risk of some types of cancer, including colon, prostate and breast cancer.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease with symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.
Severe asthma attacks can be very dangerous. They are caused by inflammation and swelling in the airways of lungs.
Several studies associate omega-3 consumption with a lower risk of asthma in children and young adults.
Summary
Omega-3 intake has been associated with a lower risk of asthma in both children and young adults.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more common than people think.
It has increased with the obesity epidemic to become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world.
However, supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids effectively reduces liver fat and inflammation in people with NAFLD.
Summary
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce liver fat in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Osteoporosis and arthritis are two common disorders that affect skeletal system.
Studies indicate that omega-3s can improve bone strength by boosting the amount of calcium in bones, which should lead to a reduced risk of osteoporosis.
Omega-3s may also treat arthritis. Patients taking omega-3 supplements have reported reduced joint pain and increased grip strength.
Summary Omega-3s
may improve bone strength and joint health, potentially reducing risk of
osteoporosis and arthritis.
Menstrual pain occurs in lower abdomen and pelvis and often radiates to lower back and thighs.
It can significantly affect quality of life.
However, studies repeatedly prove that women who consume the most omega-3s have milder menstrual pain.
One study even determined that an omega-3 supplement was more effective than ibuprofen in treating severe pain during menstruation.
Summary
Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce menstrual pain and may even be more effective than ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug.
Good sleep is one of the foundations of optimal health.
Studies tie sleep deprivation to many diseases, including obesity, diabetes and depression.
Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with sleep problems in children and obstructive sleep apnea in adults.
Low levels of DHA are also linked to lower levels of the hormone melatonin, which helps fall asleep.
Studies in both children and adults reveal that supplementing with omega-3 increases the length and quality of sleep.
Summary
Omega-3 fatty acids — especially DHA — may improve the length and quality of sleep.
DHA is a structural component of skin. It is responsible for the health of cell membranes, which make up a large part of skin.
A healthy cell membrane results in soft, moist, supple and wrinkle-free skin.
EPA also benefits skin in several ways, including:
- Managing oil production and hydration of skin.
- Preventing hyperkeratinization of hair follicles, which appears as the little red bumps often seen on upper arms.
Reducing premature aging of skin.
Reducing the risk of acne.
Omega-3s can also protect skin from sun damage. EPA helps block the release of substances that eat away at the collagen in skin after sun exposure.
Summary
Omega-3s can help keep skin healthy, preventing premature aging and safeguarding against sun damage.
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for optimal health.
Getting them from whole foods — such as fatty fish two times per week — is the best way to ensure robust omega-3 intake.
However, if don’t eat a lot of fatty fish, then may want to consider taking an omega-3 supplement. For people deficient in omega-3, this is a cheap and highly effective way to improve health.
