Omega-3 Deficiency And Its Effects On Your Body!

Omega-3 fatty acids are indispensable components of the cell membranes of all the cells in your body, still your body cannot synthesize Omega-3 fatty acids. It is important that you constantly include Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet in order to ward off deficiency. Seafood, especially fishes like tuna and salmon are the richest sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. For vegetarians, there are some seeds and nuts, such as walnuts, flaxseed and soybeans, that contain significant levels of Omega-3. 

Omega-3 deficiency means the absence of long chain fatty acids that are required to regulate body function like the cardiovascular, inflammatory and immunity of the body. A deficiency in Omega-3 can be identified easily compared with the lack of other nutrients as there are many symptoms of Omega-3 deficiency. Here are some of them-

1. Heart Problems
Fatty acids help in reducing heart diseases like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. They slow down the development of blood clots and plaque, which eventually cause clots in arteries. Thus it reduces the risks of heart attacks and other heart-related problems. So if you are suffering from one, you might think about consulting a doctor as these might be due to deficiency of Omega-3.

2. Poor Mental Health
Omega-3 acids are considered to be crucial for memory and mental performance. They help in building cell membranes around the brain, which are essential for brain health. Hence the intake of right amount of Omega-3 fatty acids is important when it comes to efficient brain function. Deficit or poor academic performance are some results of less Omega-3 in the body.

3. Depression
Omega-3 fatty acids are highly effective in preventing and managing depression. A low level of this healthy fat may increase the risk of depression as well as worsen the symptoms. In fact, Omega-3 fatty acids are more effective than placebos for depression in both adults and children.

4. Poor Vision
Falling eyesight or other eye problems are other signs of essential fatty acid deficiency. These fatty acids are an important component of fat molecules, which keep the eyes healthy. They also take care of the proper drainage of the eye fluids thus causing the risk of high eye pressure and glaucoma.

5. Joint Pains
A low level of Omega-3 fatty acids may lead to inflamed joints, which may eventually cause arthritis. The Omega-3 acids have anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the pain and inflammation of the body. The fatty acids also assist in easing joint tenderness, decreasing stiffness and may help lessen the need for medication.

If you feel you have these problems as well, then don’t forget to visit a doctor. A medical practitioner can help in improving the situation before it has worsened too much.