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Omega-3 to Enhance Heart Health, Brain Function, and Athletic Performance
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, play a vital role in cardiovascular health, cognitive well-being, and athletic performance. Scientific research highlights their benefits, including improved endothelial function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced recovery in athletes. Discover how Omega-3 can support a healthier, longer, and more active life.
Omega-3: Well-being for Heart, Mind, and Body
Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA), particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have been extensively studied for their role in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although diets rich in O3FA are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, the effectiveness of supplements containing both EPA and DHA has shown mixed results.
Pharmaceutical preparations containing only EPA (such as IPE) have demonstrated a significant reduction in cardiovascular events in major clinical trials (e.g., JELIS and REDUCE-IT), along with triglyceride reduction.
The distinctive benefits of EPA include:
- Improvement of endothelial function.
- Reduction of lipid oxidation and inflammation.
- Increased stability of atherosclerotic plaques.
- Unique effects on cellular membrane structure and fluidity.
These effects not only protect the heart but also contribute to the longevity and overall well-being of the human body, promoting a healthier and more active life in the long term.
Omega-3s also support the nervous system: studies show they enhance learning abilities, memory, cognitive well-being, and cerebral blood flow.
Additionally, for athletes, Omega-3s offer essential benefits: they improve muscle recovery capacity, reduce post-workout inflammation, and optimize cell membrane fluidity, supporting both physical and mental performance.
Discover how to integrate Omega-3 into your routine for a healthy heart, a longer life, and optimal performance.
References
Samuel C.R. Sherratt R., Preston Mason, Peter Libby, Ph. Gabriel Steg, and Deepak L. Bhatt. Do patients benefit from omega-3 fatty acids? Cardiovascular Research (2023) 119, 2884–2901.
Dighriri I. M., Alsubaie A. M., Hakami F. M., et al. (October 09, 2022). Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Brain Functions: A Systematic Review. Cureus 14(10): e30091. DOI 10.7759/cureus.30091.