Fish is among the healthiest food on the planet. It is important that you eat more of it as it is considered to be a healthy source of high-quality, low-calorie protein. Not only that, but studies have shown them to be an important “brain food” thanks to the high levels of omega-3s, which are incredibly important for optimum health. So, whether you get it through fish oil supplements or by eating fish, here are four reasons why you should include it in your diet.
- Reason #1: Prevent Heart Disease
Heart disease is a disorder of the blood vessels in the heart that can lead to a heart attack. For obvious reasons, it is best that you avoid it. Omega-3s found in fish are incredibly important to heart health. In fact, a Danish study proved that people who ate little to no fish had 50% more heart problems than those who ate fish at least once per week. Omega-3s can also significantly decrease blood fat levels. Pretty good deal if you’re into the whole ‘lowering your heart-disease risk’ thing.
- Reason #2: Reduce the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease
If you were to ask anyone if they would like to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s their answer would most likely be a resounding ‘yes.’ Turns out Omega-3s found in fish can help preserve gray-matter neurons. This is the part of the brain in charge of memory and cognition. Researchers have found that people who ate fish (baked or broiled—not fried) had large brains in general and large cells in those areas responsible for memory and learning.
- Reason #3: Nourished Skin and Hair
Good hair doesn’t last forever. Neither does skin. As we reach a certain age, our hair and skin seem to become dry and brittle or flaky overnight. Omega-3s found in fish are the exact type of healthy fat that will help keep your skin looking healthy and nourished at any age. Studies have even proven that it’s good for certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
- Reason #4: Relieves Depression
According to the World Health Organization, over 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. The good news is that d taking omega-3s along with a prescribed antidepressant was more effective than taking the antidepressant alone. One study, which looked at 52 pregnant women, found that taking a 300 mg capsule of omega-3s during their pregnancy significantly reduced their risk of developing postpartum depression.
Not all people like the taste of fish or want to eat it often and that’s okay. Luckily for them, there are supplements that can be taken in place of fish. In fact, Primal Labs has developed a fish oil supplement known as DuOmega 3&7 that has all the nutritional benefits of fish in one single capsule. Check out its store for more information.