Conditions Helped with Omega 3
Omega 3 - Helps Alleviate Certain Health Conditions
Omega-3 is now in the spotlight as an excellent alternative for helping numerous health conditions. A sweeping statement like "taking Omega-3 will cure any health condition" is an irresponsible one. Experts are cautious about making definitive statements of this nature. Yet, thanks to ongoing research on Omega-3 supplementation, people are now aware that Omega-3 plays a key role in health. In some cases, the benefits are apparent, in others, tests are still being done to find out the exact role it plays in disease prevention.
Omega-3 and Specific Conditions
Benefits of Omega 3 for Cardiovascular Disease
The Mayo Clinic has recommended Omega-3 for people who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. But the Mayo Clinic points out that before it can be made official that Omega-3 helps reduce the risks of heart problems, more research is needed.
One thing is sure though: the American Heart Association says that adults in good health should continue eating foods rich in Omega-3 fats at least twice a week. Dietary recommendations for Omega-3 have not changed.
In an August 2007 Mayo Clinic newsletter, Omega-3
fatty acids were mentioned as being a form of polyunsaturated fat which
is important for heart health. Moreover, it says omega-3s "may help
reduce triglycerides, lower blood pressure slightly and reduce blood
clotting."
The Mayo Clinic recommends eating cold water fish such as herring,
mackerel, salmon and tuna; other sources include plant oils such as
canola and
flaxseed oil.
Benefits of Omega 3 for Arthritis
Many researchers who are studying the effects of
Omega-3 on arthritis appear to be focusing on
rheumatoid arthritis. Reports are that the Omega 3
fatty acids decrease swelling and stiffness in the joints, making
it possible for patients to decrease their intake of drugs.
Although most of the research is on rheumatoid arthritis, some studies
suggest that people suffering from osteoarthritis may also benefit by
following diets rich in fatty acids. These Omega-3 fatty acids
are said to generate relief from inflammation and help minimize
the deterioration of cartilage.
Benefits of Omega 3 for Diabetes
The main argument here is that Omega 3 essential fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help people ward off the susceptibility of developing type 1-diabetes in children. When inflammation occurs, this could promote the destruction of insulin-producing cells.
Writer Salyn Boyles says over 1,000 children in Norway were monitored for a period of six years. These children were type 1-diabetes candidates. While findings are not conclusive, the children who had increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids had "less of the auto-antibodies associated with the progression of type-1 diabetes." Ms. Boyles also mentioned that the National Institutes of Health will be conducting further experiments with omega-3 fatty acids and their link with type-1 diabetes.
Benefits of Omega 3 for Depression
Many doctors and researchers share the opinion that one of the causes of the growing number of cases of depression is the western diet's increasing dependence on processed food. North Americans are not getting enough of essential fatty acids available from foods such as salmon, nuts, flaxseed and others.
Researchers are therefore looking at the connection between an individual's depression and his/her deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids. While fatty acids may not be the recommended treatment for advanced depression, researchers are saying that adding more Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet could help alleviate the symptoms of mild depression. Omega-3 fatty acids, when combined with anti-depressant therapies, could facilitate the recovery of patients diagnosed with less severe forms of depression.
