By Freydis Hjalmarsdottir, MS
October 15, 2018
Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important.
They have many powerful health benefits for your body and brain.
In fact, few nutrients have been studied as thoroughly as omega-3 fatty acids.
Here are 17 health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids that are supported by science.
1. Omega-3s Can Fight Depression and Anxiety
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world.
Symptoms include sadness, lethargy and a general loss of interest in life (1,2).
Anxiety, also a common disorder, is characterized by constant worry and nervousness (3).
Interestingly, studies indicate that people who consume omega-3s regularly are less likely to be depressed (4, 5).
What’s more, when people with depression or anxiety start taking omega-3 supplements, their symptoms improve (6, 7, 8).
There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: ALA, EPA and DHA. Of the three, EPA appears to be the best at fighting depression (9).
One study even found EPA as effective against depression as a common antidepressant drug (10).
SUMMARY
Omega-3 supplements may help prevent and treat depression and anxiety. EPA seems to be the most effective at fighting depression.
2. Omega-3s Can Improve Eye Health
DHA, a type of omega-3, is a major structural component of the retina of your eye (11).
When you don’t get enough DHA, vision problems may arise (12, 13).
Interestingly, getting enough omega-3 is linked to a reduced risk of macular degeneration, one of the world’s leading causes of permanent eye damage and blindness (14, 15).
SUMMARY
An omega-3 fatty acid called DHA is a major structural component of your eyes’ retinas. It may help prevent macular degeneration, which can cause vision impairment and blindness.
