What is so healthy about fish oils?

There are many supplements that have omega 3 fatty acids which come from fish oils. Overall there are several benefits from fish oils and not just for athletes.

One of the main benefits of fish oils, especially with athletes, is that they lead to less inflammation and pain. Fish oils can be great for after working out to aid in muscle recovery and reducing inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids have a positive effect on a person's response to inflammation. These fatty acids can keep in check the body's inflammation cycle. Most afflictions that end in “itis”, such as arthritis, can be relieved by the use of Omega 3 fatty acids. Any athlete that has inflammation and pain in the muscles and joints can use these fish oils and they can help with the pain. There are many supplements on the market that have these Omega 3 fish oils as athletes should check with a physician before choosing one.

Fish oils can also help with health of the cardiovascular system. This can be important for athletes considering that cardiovascular health is very important when working out and for athletic performance. It has been proved that Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial for the heart and the arteries that the cardiovascular system is made up of. Omega 3 fatty acids can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides and LDL’s. The fatty acids also can prolong a person’s life with all the health benefits. Along the same lines fish oils can help prevent both heart attacks and strokes. Thrombosis, a clot, occurs when the build up of plaque in the walls of the arteries breaks up. If the clot travels to the brain it will cause a stroke and if it travels to the heart it will cause a heart attack. There has been research that has shown Omega 3 fatty acids can break up the clots, therefore reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

One of the long-term benefits of fish oils is that they reduce the chances of breast, colon, and prostate cancer. These types of cancer are the three most common types and Omega 3 fatty acids can help prevent them. The fatty acids accomplish this three ways:

Halt the change from healthy cell to a cancerous mass

Keep unwanted cellular growth from occurring

Keep apoptosis, death of cells, from happening

Omega 3 fatty acids are not only beneficial physically but mentally as well. The fatty acids can help with such mental activities as memory, the ability to recall, and staying focused. Omega 3 fatty acids can clear up the mind for better mental health. This aspect can be great for athletes who are having a hard time staying focused on their workout goals. Along with making a person feel smarter by clearing the mind Omega 3 fatty acids have also been known to alleviate the symptoms associated with depression, psychosis, and bipolar disorder.

Overall, eating cold-water oily fish and taking Omega 3 fish oil supplements can have both physical and mental benefits.