Omega-3s have several benefits for your health. Not only are they good for your heart, but recent research has linked omega-3 consumption with decreasing the risk of age-related hearing conditions. The best part? Omega-3s are found in many food sources, but you can also choose from over-the-counter omega-3 supplements.
But like any trendy health food, omega-3 fatty acids are surrounded by hype. Which benefits are backed by science, and are there any downsides to omega-3s or their supplements? We help you sort it out below.
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, are an essential part of the human diet. Unlike other fats that the body is capable of synthesizing (called non-essential fatty acids), omega-3s can’t be made from scratch. They’re vital for various bodily processes, such as making hormones for blood clotting, artery contraction and relaxation, and genetic functions. In other words, we need omega-3s, and we can only get them from food or supplements. There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA
- Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA
- Alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA
Adding omega-3s to your diet
