What role do omega-3 fatty acids play in health?
May 14, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Yvonne König
Dear Doctor,
My name is Sandra Ahlert and I have been focusing intensively on the topic of nutrition and health lately. In my research, I have come across the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids time and time again. I have heard that they are crucial for health, but I am not sure if I am getting enough of them and what exactly they do for my body.
My diet mainly consists of plant-based foods, but I also regularly eat fish, nuts, and seeds. I have heard that Omega-3 fatty acids are supposed to be good for the cardiovascular system and can reduce inflammation in the body. Because there are some cardiovascular diseases in my family, I am concerned about my health and wonder if I should increase my Omega-3 intake.
Could you please explain to me in more detail the role of Omega-3 fatty acids in health and what I can do specifically to ensure that I am getting enough of them? Are there also supplements that I could take? I would like to learn more in order to adjust my diet accordingly and improve my health.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Sandra Ahlert.
Dear Ms. Ahlert,
Thank you for your question regarding omega-3 fatty acids and their importance for health. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own and therefore must be obtained through diet. They are polyunsaturated fatty acids and are particularly important for the cardiovascular system and for regulating inflammation in the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood clotting, stabilize blood pressure, and reduce inflammation in the body. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, and inflammatory diseases. Particularly, the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are mainly found in fish oil, are important in this regard.
It's good to hear that you already incorporate fish, nuts, and seeds into your diet regularly, as these foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. To ensure you are consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids, you can increase your consumption of fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, or sardines. Flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts, and green leafy vegetables also contain omega-3 fatty acids.
If you are concerned about whether you are getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, you may also consider taking supplements. There are specific omega-3 capsules or supplements that contain EPA and DHA and can be taken as a supplement to a normal diet. However, before taking supplements, I recommend speaking with your doctor to discuss the correct dosage and intake.
It is important to emphasize that a balanced diet with a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids is only one part of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking also contribute to overall health.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or would like individual advice, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Yvonne König, Specialist in Internal Medicine
