Omega-3 is a family of fatty acids that are considered essential to our health. Our bodies cannot make them by themselves, that’s why we need to get them from the food we eat and/or from supplements. Omega-3s have been studied for many years and results show that they can have positive effects on heart health, brain health, eye health, bone health and joint health! But their benefits don’t stop there! Omega-3s can also benefit our skin and hair!
Omega-3 Types
There are 11 types of Omega-3, but 3 of these are considered the most important to human health. These are:
- ALA alpha-linolenic acid
- EPA eicosapentaenoic acid
- DHA docosahexaenoic acid
If you’d like to learn more about ALA, EPA and DHA including food sources, then make sure to check out our article: The Most Important Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Skin Benefits
Possible Sun Damage Protection
Studies have shown that Omega-3s may help protect our skin against sun damage caused by ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. This means that Omega-3 fatty acids may increase our skin’s resistance to sunburns and may reduce how red our skin becomes after being exposed to the sun. Omega-3s play a very important role in our overall skin health and in particular, DHA is considered an essential nutrient for our skin.
Possible Improvement in Acne
Consuming Omega-3s in our diet may have beneficial effects on acne. These effects include reducing how severe acne breakouts are or even preventing acne. This is because through studying Omega-3s, it has been found that these fatty acids can reduce inflammation. As new studies are being conducted on acne, it has been shown that a primary cause of acne may be inflammation, and consuming Omega-3s that fight inflammation may help.
Possible Improvement in Dry, Red or Itchy Skin
Omega-3s have been found to help improve our skin barrier function that in turn helps keep moisture in our skin while at the same time keeping out irritants. This is why a diet rich in Omega-3s may help with dry, red or itchy skin. But Omega-3s are not just for people experiencing skin irritations.. They help with overall skin health by helping to hydrate and moisturize our skin.
Possible Accelerated Wound Healing
Initial studies have shown that Omega-3s may help speed up the process of wound healing. However, more research on humans is needed to confirm this.
Possible Hair Growth & Reduced Hair Loss
Omega-3s may help contribute to our hair health by helping to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. This is because Omega-3s contain important proteins and nutrients that may be beneficial to our scalp and hair follicles!
Omega-3 Sources
Omega-3s are important for our overall health including our heart, brain, eye, bone and skin health and should therefore play an important role in our diet. Fatty fish are a good source of these fatty acids. Some foods high in Omega-3 include:
- Mackerel
- Tuna
- Herring
- Sardines
- Walnuts
- Flax Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
It is recommended that we eat 2-3 portions of fatty fish per week as they provide necessary proteins and Omega-3 fatty acids. If you are not a fan of fish, you may consider taking an Omega-3 dietary supplement. If you are looking for an Omega-3 fish oil dietary supplement with no fishy taste but instead a delicious orange-peppermint flavor, make sure to check out NEUROASPIS plp10.
Be an Informed Consumer
It is important to remember that dietary supplements should not replace the need for a varied and balanced diet. It is also recommended that you always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
Article Source: Healthline (6 Benefits and Uses of Omega-3s for Skin and Hair)