Benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids

While the topic of omega-3 fatty acids was once heavily criticized for only serving as an advertising tool, numerous scientific studies have now shown that omega-3 fatty acids have a beneficial effect on the body and health in many areas. Athletes in particular can benefit from omega-3 fatty acids and have a positive effect on their strength and endurance training. Whether young or old, amateur or professional athletes, omega-3 fatty acids are part of every healthy diet for physically active people. What are Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated, essential fats and therefore healthy fats, but they are not produced by the body itself. The body needs fats for many reasons, especially when the body is required to perform. For this reason, they must be supplied to the body through food or nutritional supplements. Essentially, they have a positive effect on the production of hormones, protein synthesis, cell metabolism and stimulate the production of synovial fluids. They also boost the immune system and protect against infectious diseases and inflammation. Especially for endurance and strength training, these advantages mean support during training, a healthy basis and improved performance, which leads to the training goal more quickly. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy for the cardiovascular system In sport, the cardiovascular system is sometimes subjected to high levels of stress during training. Blood pressure rises, which could have fatal consequences, especially for athletes who already suffer from high blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure and thus increase performance in the long term. Blood lipid levels are also reduced, which promotes fat loss and muscle building. Especially in athletic diabetics, blood sugar levels rise during exercise. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood sugar levels naturally and make the body more resilient. Omega-3 fatty acids improve blood clotting and thus reduce the risk of thrombosis. The end result is that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids helps stabilize the cardiovascular system, counteract diseases such as heart attacks and increase the heart's resilience. Omega-3 fatty acids for more mental strength and better vision Every sport is not just a physical matter, but is primarily controlled by the brain. Whether it's motivation or the ability to concentrate, the mind has to function just as well in sport as it does in everyday life or at work. Dementia is usually a disease that affects older generations. Cell degradation and slowed cell renewal are among the causes. Omega-3 fatty acids promote cell renewal, improve existing memory loss and prevent it from getting worse. But lack of concentration is a symptom that young people also suffer from. A lack of concentration can have serious consequences, especially when it comes to strength training and handling weights. Omega-3 fatty acids are, alongside brain proteins, the most important elements for brain performance and nerve cells. By taking omega-3 fatty acids, the supply of brain cells is significantly improved and the ability to concentrate increases. According to intensive scientific research, the influence of omega-3 fatty acids even goes so far that even the classic symptoms of ADHD patients can be alleviated and a clearly noticeable improvement in absorption is evident. Although many people can relax and unwind when doing sport, some are subject to internal pressure that causes stress. In addition to inflammation, stress is said to be a cause of the eye disease macular degeneration, which affects the retina and can lead to blindness. Omega-3 fatty acids not only have anti-inflammatory properties, but also have a positive effect on metabolic transport, which optimizes the excretion of harmful body substances and protects the eyes from this disease by providing a better supply of necessary nutrients and minerals. The positive effect on the brain also lowers the stress threshold, which leads to more inner exuberance. Omega-3 fatty acids to prevent and relieve inflammation Whether you're a competitive athlete or a casual athlete, inflammation can affect anyone. It's often the result of excessive strain, but pre-existing conditions can also trigger inflammation. Anyone who puts too much pressure on themselves and their bodies or doesn't take the first signs of irritation seriously will have to expect inflammation as a result. Knees, shoulders and wrists are often affected, but also ligaments and tendons in various parts of the body. Omega-3 fatty acids stimulate blood circulation, supplying the body with more oxygen and nutrients that prevent or relieve inflammation. They also regulate hormone balance and activate the immune system. The production of synovial fluid is stimulated, so that optimal mobility is ensured during training and no inflammatory processes are caused by so-called "dry friction" of joints. Thanks to an improved cell structure, tendons, muscles and ligaments become more robust and can withstand stretching better. This means that they are not overstimulated when subjected to heavy strain and inflammation is avoided. However, since inflammation is not always caused by acute factors, but can also be partly responsible for multiple sclerosis, diabetes or arteriosclerosis, for example, the intake of omega-3 fatty acids is not only important for sports. Omega-3 fatty acids against sleep disorders and improved rest periods after training The effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids was tested on school children who suffered from sleep disorders. The results were clear and showed that children slept noticeably better after taking omega-3 fatty acids. This is because omega-3 fatty acids have an influence on hormones and brain activity, as well as improved oxygen, nutrient and mineral transport, which has a positive effect on the internal balance and muscles. The rest phase is particularly important when building muscle. Omega-3 fatty acids ensure that muscles relax more quickly. This fact also contributes to the fact that the body's relaxation promotes restful sleep and allows you to face the next day with renewed freshness and new energy. Optimal omega-3 fatty acid supply Omega-3 fatty acids are found in numerous foods, for example in plant products such as linseed oil, walnut oil or hemp oil. However, these contain alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA for short, which the body must first convert into biologically active forms. The result is often only a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids left over from the conversion process. Animal omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil or salmon, are more suitable. However, people who are very active in sports have a high need for omega-3 fatty acids, which can only be met to a limited extent through normal food intake. In this case, it is advisable to use dietary supplements, where the daily requirement can be individually and easily selected.