There is a buzz word that’s been going around health and wellness sites the last couple of years. Does omega-3s ring a bell? We know we need these fatty acids, but many of us are still unsure as to why. The biggest reason is because the Standard American Diet (SAD) is rich in the yang to omega-3s, omega-6 fatty acids. This western diet is heavy on processed seeds and vegetable oils as well as meat and poultry. Omega-3s are found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, but the best way to boost your omega-3 intake is by using supplements such as fish oil.
The benefits of fish oil may range from boosting cognitive function to improving heart health to rejuvenating skin cells. These benefits are much in thanks to two primary fatty acids—EPA and DHA. Let’s learn about the benefits of fish oil and why Tranquility Labs’ CogniDHA might be the best supplement for your everyday wellness routine.
Cardiovascular Health
One study involving fish oil found that, “mortality from coronary heart disease was more than 50% lower among those who consumed at least 30 grams of fish per day than among those who did not eat fish.” The conclusion was that “the consumption of as little as one or two fish dishes per week may be of preventive value in relation to coronary heart disease.”
We can attribute this statistic to the fact that EPA and DHA get converted by our bodies into neurotransmitters known as prostaglandins. Research suggests that several prostaglandins, including the types facilitated by EPA and DHA, can be beneficial in preventing coronary heart disease.
That’s because these hormone-like molecules stimulate cell activity. Promoting movement causes stagnant blood cells to mix up, naturally loosening plaques around arteries. These little moments of upkeep might offset a seemingly inevitable cardiac episode.
Eye Health
As we touched upon, studies show that DHA plays a role in the development of our retina. Unfortunately for us, levels of DHA decline in our eyes as we age. Therefore, supplementing with fish oil such as CogniDHA can help boost the source before you tap it dry.
Research shows that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids can actually lead to muscular degeneration in the retina. Further studies suggest the reason for this is that our eyes rely on alkyl ethers in DHA and EPA known as phosphatidylserine for optimal functioning. The less of these essential omega-3 fatty acids you have, the less of their byproducts remain in your system, such as phosphatidylserine ethers in the eye.
Skin Care
Like all fatty oil, fish oil is known to be a fixer-upper for the skin. While you wouldn’t lather fish oil all over yourself like you could grapeseed oil (although we wouldn’t judge), you can take CogniDHA supplements and glow from the inside out.
A study on UV damage shows that omega-3 fatty acids exhibit photoprotective abilities. This characteristic is much in thanks to how EPA and DHA interact with the following neural pathways:
- Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
- Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-Κb)
- Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
- Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)
These critical pathways regulate keratin damage. Therefore, if you often chip a nail or dry your hair out at the beach, CogniDHA can help supplement the body with nutrients needed for beauty repairs.
Cognitive Function
One of the most significant benefits of fish oil is that it’s a natural brain booster. A study on the health benefits of DHA notes, “DHA deficiencies are associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, unipolar depression, aggressive hostility, and adrenoleukodystrophy. Decreases in DHA in the brain are associated with cognitive decline during aging and with the onset of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease.”
A predominant reason that fish oil is so beneficial to the brain is that it helps create neural pathways. Ninety percent of the brain is made up of DHA. That shows how little pull EPA and ALA have. It’s also why CogniDHA supplements are formulated to have an optimal level of this essential amino acid.
In particular, DHA likes to hang out in grey matter. That is why maintaining healthy levels of DHA in the system is so essential in combating the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Mental Health
Not only can fish oil give you a mental boost, but it can also give your mood one as well. Science has found that the frontal lobe has a high concentration of DHA. This area of the brain is essential in our social, emotional, and behavioral development. Therefore, low levels of DHA in the brain may result in mood swings and depression.
Research shows an active link between low levels of DHA and:
- Postpartum depression
- Major depressive disorder associated with coronary heart disease
- Seasonal depression
The last one is quite interesting. We have higher levels of DHA and EPA in August and September before we head into the winter months. So, once the weather gets cold, make sure to stock up on your favorite fish oil.
Now that you understand the tremendous benefits fish oil can bring to your everyday life, let’s take a more detailed look at the three primary amino acids found in fish oil.
What is CogniDHA Fish Oil?
Fish oil is extracted from the fat tissue of fish. Approximately 30% of fish oil has omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, we triple-refine the fish to remove the unnecessary fats from the blend. Following these best practices leaves you with three essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
ALA is primarily found in plant sources such as hemp seed oil and chia seeds. However, you can find traces in fish oil as well. Unfortunately, ALA doesn’t do much good for the body. It needs to be transformed into two other types of amino acids–eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Research finds that only 5% of ALA actually turns into EPA, and a minuscule 0.5% transforms into DHA. Therefore, ALA is not an efficient source of essential amino acids.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Luckily, fish oil has an abundance of EPA. It is a long-chain, polyunsaturated fat. Therefore, it’s a fat with a load of benefits that takes a while for your body to break down. That makes the beneficial effects of fish oil last longer for those who experience them. While EPA comes with a load of benefits, it acts as the wing-person for the real star of the show.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Research on the benefits of fish oil minerals EPA and DHA find that a load of the results are due to DHA. Research shows that during pregnancy DHA aids in the development of fetal tissue, including the brain and retina. This information gives hope that fish oil supplements such as CogniDHA may help prolong the quality of years for a person who has Alzheimer’s.
Experience the Benefits of Fish Oil with CogniDHA
The benefits of fish oil are plentiful. You can read all about how fish oil can improve eye, skin, and cardio health. Many studies are pointing to fish oil and it’s importance in cognitive function and mental well being. It’s not until you experience the benefits yourself that you understand the true levity of fish oil.
Have you ever used fish oil? Tell us your success stories in the comments section below!