What is Omega 3 good for?
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats, a group of fats that are beneficial for the whole body's health. Omega-3 is a component within the structure of every cell in the body. These fatty acids make up the cell membrane, supporting its structure, function and signalling between cells.
As a result, omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in ensuring the proper functioning of various systems within our bodies. They contribute to essential processes ranging from supporting the immune system to facilitating hormone production.
There are many advantages to incorporating omega-3 into your diet. These benefits include promoting organ health, including the eyes, brain, and heart, and supporting the well-being of bodily structures like bones, joints, and skin. Omega-3 also plays a crucial role in the development of infants and children. Additionally, these fatty acids serve as a vital source of dietary energy and play a significant role in energy metabolism.
Our private Energy health checks are designed for people who feel more tired than usual and want an assessment of their energy levels. The health checks include tests for common causes of fatigue, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
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How it works
1. Select and book your package
View our health test packages and book a full body private health check. All our individual tests can be added to any of our private health check packages. Just call our team on 0800 652 2183 before your appointment to add an extra test.
2. Make an appointment
Choose the venue, date and time that suits you. With over 2000 appointments available nationwide every week, you're sure to find a convenient time, date and venue.
3. Attend your appointment
A trained health assessment specialist will carry out your assessment. The whole process only takes around 20 - 30 minutes.
4. Fast, accurate results
Your results will be available 24/7 through our online dashboard, My Wellness. You will receive an email notification as soon as your results are ready for viewing. Processing times vary by test, with some results accessible on the dashboard in as little as three days. The online dashboard also provides easy access to a downloadable PDF, making it simple to share your results with your GP.
What is Omega 3?
Omega-3 fatty acids, or "healthy fats," are polyunsaturated fats with numerous health benefits. These essential fats must be obtained from the foods you consume or through supplements since the body does not produce them naturally.
There are three main omega-3 fatty acids. These are:
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
ALA is derived from plant sources such as flaxseed, soybean, tofu and walnuts. Fish and other seafood are rich sources of both DHA and EPA forms of omega-3.
Is Omega 3 good for you?
The body relies on omega-3 fatty acids for proper functioning, offering numerous health advantages. The most compelling evidence supporting the benefits of omega-3s is linked to their impact on heart health. Research indicates that including abundant sources of omega-3 in the diet can help reduce blood pressure, enhance blood vessel function, and improve circulation.
Researchers have also found that adequate omega-3 intake has neuroprotective qualities, protecting the brain from inflammation and oxidative stress. In fact, omega-3’s anti-inflammatory properties benefit the whole body and can help with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
10 Surprising Omega-3 Benefits
Here are some of the surprising benefits of omega-3:
1. Sleep Quality: omega-3 supports hormone production and could promote the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Low levels of omega-3 are linked to melatonin deficiencies.
2. Soothing Skin: studies have shown that inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can be eased by increasing omega-3 intake.
3. Memory: the DHA in omega-3 can help regulate signals between nerve cells, leading to improved neuronal communication.
4. Heart Health: omega-3 fatty acids can support heart health in many ways. From improving circulation to maintaining a steady heartbeat and lowering blood pressure
5. Menstruation: research has revealed that women with higher omega-3 intakes experience fewer pain related menstrual symptoms.
6. Joint Health: high levels of omega-3 found in our synovial fluid, lubricating our joints, are linked to improved joint function.
7. Improves Mood: scientists are investigating omega-3’s effects on mood disorders such as postpartum depression and bipolar disorder. So far, the results are proving promising, revealing a reduction in the symptoms of depression amongst individuals with a high omega-3 intake.
8. Healthy Bones: omega-3 could help bones retain more calcium. As calcium is integral to bone health, this could lead to a reduced risk of osteoporosis and other conditions.
9. Vision: the retina in the eye is made up of omega-3 DHA, suggesting that a sufficient omega-3 intake could slow down macular degeneration of the retina.
10. Reproductive Health: omega-3 found in the sperm cell membrane plays an important part in sperm flexibility and movement.
Should I take Omega 3?
Omega-3 has many health benefits. However, whether or not you should increase your dietary intake or turn to supplements depends on your situation. Several factors influence your omega-3 requirements, such as your age, lifestyle and existing health conditions.
In the UK, the recommended intake for obtaining sufficient omega-3 involves consuming two portions of fish per week, with one portion being oily fish. Alternative plant-based sources rich in ALA, such as chia seeds, walnuts, flax seeds, and hemp seeds, are available for those who do not include fish in their diet. It's worth noting, however, that the conversion of ALA to the usable forms EPA and DHA in the body can be inconsistent.
There are some cases where taking omega-3 supplements is a better option. Individuals on a plant based diet who are not opposed to taking non-vegetarian or non-vegan omega-3 could benefit from supplementation. Marine algae supplements are suitable for vegans and vegetarians and contain the DHA and EPA forms of omega-3, which are more easily absorbed and utilised by the body than ALA.
Before taking supplements or increasing your dietary intake of omega-3, important considerations must be made. You should consult a doctor if you have any existing medical conditions for which you are currently taking medication. For example, omega-3 can interact with blood thinning medications (such as aspirin or warfarin) and some medications which control blood pressure
It helps to get a better picture of your omega-3 levels before turning to supplementation. An Omega-3 Test is a quick and non-invasive way to assess your omega-3 levels and whether it would be beneficial for you to increase your dietary intake or take supplements.
How can I test my Omega 3 levels?
If you are wondering whether your omega-3 levels are low, there are various ways to check. These non-invasive blood tests are a helpful way to understand your omega-3 levels better.
A simple blood test can help assess the composition of fatty acids in your bloodstream. and determine whether there is a healthy ratio.
Do you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency?
Are you feeling more tired than usual, or have you noticed changes to your skin and hair? These and other symptoms could be a sign that you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency.
Our Energy health checks are designed for people experiencing symptoms such as low energy. Get a better picture of your iron, vitamin D levels and more by booking your Bluecrest Energy checks today.
