There’s something fishy going on. Omega-3 fatty acids, once found primarily in fatty fish, are being added to all sorts of foods, including fruit juices, soy milk, eggs, nutrition bars, cereal, yogurt -- even infant formula. In fact, they’ve become the wonder nutrient du jour, largely because researchers are discovering more and more health benefits associated with them. “Since omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on the fragile membrane systems of all the cells throughout the body, they can benefit numerous organ systems,” explains Barry Swanson, Ph.D., fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists and professor of food science at Washington State University in Pullman.

In fact, “many people are surprised to learn that nerve tissue, especially in the brain and the retina in the eye, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids,” says J. Thomas Brenna, Ph.D., professor of human nutrition at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. “Nerve tissue uses omega-3s as building blocks for cells, and they are crucial for proper chemical signaling within and between nerve cells.”

Health Benefits From Head to Toe
So how do these effects translate into health benefits? Let us count the ways. Long known for their heart-protective powers, omega-3 fatty acids:

            1. Decrease the risk of heart arrhythmia

            2. Reduce triglyceride levels

            3. Lower blood pressure

            4. Decrease the buildup of artery-clogging plaque

They also reduce inflammatory activity in the body, which is why they can be helpful in:

            5. Alleviating asthma

            6. Reducing acne

            7. Relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

What’s more, recent studies suggest that consuming enough of these essential fatty acids may help guard against:

            8. Macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness)

            9. Diabetes

            10. Parkinson’s disease

            11. Alzheimer’s disease

            12. Age-related cognitive decline

There’s even some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may help to:

            13. Relieve depression

            14. Treat bipolar disorder

            15. Improve attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

And while the above are among the most promising results to date, research is ongoing, so don’t be surprised if experts discover even more health benefits in the future!

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