Omega-3 is a type of the fatty acids that is present in every plant-based dietary supplements and foods. They help the body keep its membranes which surround all the cells in our body, working very well.
Is Omega 3 Any Useful To The Body?
Basically, there are three main types of omega-3 fatty acid. They are:
● ALA or the alpha-linolenic acid
● EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid
● DHA or docosahexaenoic acid
Omega 3 fatty acid is very commonly available in various types of plant oils, like chia seeds, walnuts and flaxseeds. From the food we eat, a person’s body is able to convert a small amount of ALA into the DHA and EPA. As per the ODS or Office of Dietary Supplements Trusted Source, it is seen that most of the people in the U.S. acquire enough ALA from their diet. ALA is very important for the people.
Experts have found that ALA is essential for the body, but they know how much EPA or DHA is required by a person. Even they don’t know if a person requires EPA or DHA since the body converts the necessary amount from ALA. Taking an excess of Omega-3 fatty acid supplements that are obtained from animal-based foods contain EPA or DHA, which can lead to bleeding, stroke, high and low blood pressure, Vitamin A toxicity and others. But the Omega-3 fatty acid obtained from plant-based products works beyond the basic maintenance of various cells in a human body. There may be health benefits obtained from ALA. Omega 3 fatty acid helps beyond the basic maintenance of the human body’s cells – this statement is quite unclear.
Omega -3 may reduce inflammation
As per an article which is published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, research showed that Omega 3 fatty acid can reduce this inflammation process, it is seen that reduction in inflammation has various links to reduction in cardiovascular illnesses. But this is seen in animal studies and the clinical trials on the human body was found to be not very conclusive. It was seen that various people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have seen to be benefited from taking Omega-3 supplements, but also, there is no such clear benefit for people with asthma or inflammatory bowel disease.
It might reduce heart attack chance
As per the ODS Trusted Source, there is evidence that shows that taking plant-based omega 3 foods or supplements might be able to reduce the risk of infection in case a person is suffering from a heart attack. But, the health agency has not found that there is no link between taking omega-3 supplements and having a lower chance of the person having any cardiovascular issues in particular.
There was a research and review piece of a text published in the JPB or Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry, which states a link between Omega 3 and heart disease is quite a controversial research area that is up for debate.
According to the NCCIH or National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health, the researchers already showed that omega 3 helps in lowering the patient’s triglyceride levels. These substances are a kind of fats, and if any person has an extra of these, it might put the person at risk of heart disease.
As the NCCIH had pointed out that the medications which contain some omega 3 with other ingredients are approved by the U.S. FDA or Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating very high triglyceride levels, but the same need not apply to the omega-3 supplements. So, it is not clear whether Omega 3 is helpful in any way other than the maintenance of cells.
