Research
Research suggests fish oil, rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docasahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to have numerous health benefits.2 EPA is metabolized to produce eicosanoids, hormone-like agents which regulate cell division and growth, blood clotting, muscle activity, secretion of digestive fluids and hormones, while also affecting behaviour and mood.3 The other omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, is predominantly found in the central nervous system and is an important structural component of cell membranes throughout the brain and nerves.4 There is also an abundant amount of DHA in the retina of the eye.5
Several studies show that fish oil may help improve cardiovascular health by altering lipid metabolism, inducing haemodynamic changes, decreasing arrhythmias, modulating platelet function, improving endothelial function and inhibiting inflammatory pathways.6 Moreover, supplementation with DHA and EPA has been found to lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels in individuals with mild hypertension.7,8,9
Omega-3s have been shown to help lower serum cholesterol, decrease serum triglycerides; reduce platelet aggregation, and reduce blood pressure.<10,11 Omega-3 fatty acids reduce circulating levels of plasma triglycerides, which, like the ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL), are associated with an elevated risk of heart disease, as demonstrated by a review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.10
Consumption of essential fatty acids may also result in a number of neurological benefits. Research studies indicate that moderate intake of DHA and EPA helps support healthy cognitive function and that DHA may be beneficial for depression.12,13,14,15,16,17
Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to increase satiety, or feelings of fullness, in people who are overweight. Participants taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements reported lower hunger levels after meals.18 Omega 3 fatty acids help modulate serotonin synthesis19, a neurotransmitter heavily involved in controlling hunger. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with increased craving for sweets and carbohydrates. Normal serotonin levels are linked with satiety and craving control.20
Research has demonstrated that fish oil can help significantly reduce body fat mass and stimulate lipid oxidation. Findings indicate that the addition of omega 3 fatty acids to a weight loss program comprising caloric restriction may increase fat oxidation leading to greater improvement in body composition. It is believed that fish oil can alter expression of genes involved in the regulation of fat oxidation in adipose, liver, cardiac, intestinal and skeletal muscle tissue, and in the regulation of adipogenesis in adipose tissue. These effects on gene expression favour enhanced fat oxidation and reduced fat deposit.21
Research indicates that microorganisms in the gastrointestinal track can contribute to the prevention or development of several conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, colitis (inflammation of the colon) and Crohn’s disease. Omega 3 fatty acids can positively affect “gut microbiota,” reduce harmful microflora and chronic inflammation which contributes to the development of such chronic diseases. 22,23
Omega-3 fatty acids also offer health benefits for skin and hair. These fatty acids help improve the appearance and texture of skin and hair, and moisturize skin cells and hair follicles. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammatory substances in the body, which helps to even out complexion and skin tone, reduce breakouts and help maintain skin elasticity. Fish oil further provides antioxidants, which prevent dry, brittle hair and dry, sagging skin caused by aging.24 Omega 3 Fish Oils provide high potency EPA and DHA, and are free of any detectable amounts of heavy metals like lead, mercury and other impurities to avoid toxicity concerns. The formula is tested for purity and quality and stabilized with antioxidants to maintain freshness.
Resources
1 Buckley JD, Howe PRC. Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids May Be Beneficial for Reducing Obesity—A Review. Nutrients. 2010;2(12):1212-1230. doi:10.3390/nu2121212.
2 Calder PC, Yaqoob P. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids and human health outcomes. Biofactors. 2009;35(3):266-72.
3 National Institutes of Health. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcidsan dHealth/
4 Marszalek JR & Lodish HF. (2005). Docosahexaenoic acid, fatty acid-interacting protein, and neuronal function: breastmilk and fish are good for you. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 21:633-657.
5 Singh M. (2005). Essential fatty acids, DHA and human brain. Indian J Pediatr. 72(3):239-42.
6 Cottin SC, Sanders TA, Hall WL. The differential effects of EPA and DHA on cardiovascular risk factors. Proc Nutr Soc. 2011; 70(2):215-31.
7 Nielsen D, Albrektsen G, Landmark K. Effects of high-dose concentrate of n-3 fatty acids or corn oil introduced early after an acute myocardial infarction on serum triacylglyerol and HDL cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;74:50-6.
8 Von Schacky C. Cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. Prostagalndins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2009;81(2-3):193-8.
9 Kidd P. Omega-3 DHA and EPA for Cognition, Behavior, and Mood: Clinical Findings and Structural- Functional Synergies with Cell Membrane Phospholipids. Altern Med Rev. 2007;12(3):207-27.
10 Roche HM & Gibney MJ. (2000). Effects of longchain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on fasting and post-prandial triacylglycerol metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr, 71(1): S232-S237.
11 Vandongen R, Mori TA, Burke V, Beilin LJ, Morris J, Ritchie J. (1993). Effects on blood pressure of omega 3 fats in subjects at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension, 22(3): 371-379.
12 Morris MC, Evan D, Bienias J. Consumption of Fish and n-3 Fatty Acids and Risk of Incident Alzeihmers Disease. Arch Neurol. 2003;60:940-946.
13 Yurko-Mauro K, McCarthy D, Rom D. Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age-related cognitive decline. Alzeihmers Dement. 2010;6(6):456-64.
14 Makrides M, Gibson RA, McPhee AJ. Effect of DHA Supplementation during pregnancy on maternal depression and neurodevelopment of young children: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2010;304(15):1717-18.
15 Freeman MP. Omega-3 Fatty acids and perinatal depression:a review of the literature and recommendations for future research. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2006;75(4-5):291-7.
16 Nemets H, Nemets B, Apter A. Omega-3 Treatment of Childhood Depression: A Controlled, Double blind Pilot Study. Am J Psychiatry. 2006;163:1098-1100.
17 Osher Y, Belmaker RH. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in depression: a review of three studies. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2009;15(2):128-33.
18 Parra D, Ramel A, Bandarra N, et al. (2008) A diet rich in long chain omega-3 fatty acids modulates satiety in overweight and obese volunteers during weight loss. Appetite 51, 676-680.
19 Patrick RP, Ames BN. (2015). Vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior. FASEB. pii: fj.14-268342.
20 Feijó FM, Bertoluci MC, Reis C. Serotonin and hypothalamic control of hunger: a review. (2011). Rev Assoc Med Bras. 57(1):74-7.
21 Couet, C., Delarue, J., Ritz, P., Antoine, J. M., & Lamisse, F. (1997). Effect of dietary fish oil on body fat mass and basal fat oxidation in healthy adults.International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders: journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 21(8), 637-643.
22 Teitelbaum, J. E., & Walker, W. A. (2001). Review: the role of omega 3 fatty acids in intestinal inflammation. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 12(1), 21-32.
23 ISSFAL. Omega-3 Fats May Reduce Risk of Gastrointestinal Diseases. 2014. http://www.issfal.org/news/articles/2014/07/02/omega-3-fats-may-reduce-risk-of-gastrointestinal-diseases. Accessed June 5, 2015.
24 CHFA. Natural Holistic Tips. Natural Beauty. https://www.chfa.ca/joy-mccarthys-top-5-spring-healthy-living-tips/natural-beauty. Accessed June 5, 2015.