5 Benefits To The Elderly Population Taking Omega-3s
5 Benefits To The Elderly Population Taking Omega-3s
Reduce Inflammation:
A small amount of inflammation is helpful for healing wounds and helping to fight off an infection. However, after several years of low-grade chronic inflammation, it causes damage in your body's cells and tissues. This can lead to health challenges which increase over time and even speeds up the aging process. Omega-3 fatty acids help to combat this low-grade inflammation through their potent anti-inflammatory effects.1
Improve Cholesterol Parameters:
Omega-3 fatty acids assist in lowering high triglyceride levels, while increasing ‘good’ cholesterol, called HDL cholesterol.2 High levels of triglycerides and low HDL are both independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease as well as more serious cardiac evets such as heart attack and stroke.
Encourage Healthy Joints:
Due to the anti-inflammatory impact of omega-3 fatty acids, they are helpful at reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.3 These fatty acids are also helpful for preventing conditions such as osteoporosis due to their bone-strengthening capabilities.
Improve Mood:
Supplementation with a high EPA fish oil can improve mood and decrease symptoms of major depressive disorder. In fact, in research, fish oil has been found to have a beneficial effect comparable to some pharmaceutical first-line medications such as fluoxetine (sold under the brand Prozac) for mild depressive disorder.4
Cognitive Function:
Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in the structure and function in the bran as well as protect the brain from damage and inflammation. These fatty acids are essential for brain development in early years but also for maintenance throughout life.5 Cognitive decline is a major issue for the elderly population. Adding omega-3s into the diet can help reduce cognitive decline, improve memory as well as concentration.5
Ishihara T, Yoshida M, Arita M. Omega-3 fatty acid-derived mediators that control inflammation and tissue homeostasis. International immunology. 2019 Sep;31(9):559-67.
Oelrich B, Dewell A, Gardner CD. Effect of fish oil supplementation on serum triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and LDL subfractions in hypertriglyceridemic adults. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2013 Apr 1;23(4):350-7.
Loef M, Schoones JW, Kloppenburg M, Ioan-Facsinay A. Fatty acids and osteoarthritis: different types, different effects. Joint Bone Spine. 2019 Jul 1;86(4):451-8.
Grosso G, Galvano F, Marventano S, Malaguarnera M, Bucolo C, Drago F, Caraci F. Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: scientific evidence and biological mechanisms. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2014 Oct;2014.
Martí A, Fortique F. Omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive decline: A systematic review. Nutr. Hosp. 2019 Aug 26;36:939-49.