Fish Oil & Omegas

What is fish oil/ omega 3 fatty acids?

Omega 3 fatty acids are important ‘healthy’ fats that you must receive from natural food sources or from supplements. We emphasize supplements because they are a family of essential fatty acids that play an important role in maintaining overall health. They are called essential because the human body cannot produce these fatty acids, and they need to be obtained from your daily diet. The natural sources include only fatty fish, which many in today's age may not consume enough to meet the requirement.

The three main omega-3 fatty acids are –

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is a plant form of omega-3. It is usually found in plant-based sources like flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, canola, and soybean oils. It is an essential fatty acid because the human body cannot produce it, and it can only be obtained through food sources or from supplements. Furthermore, in our body, ALA is converted to EPA and then DHA. The ratio of conversion is very minimal, and hence, it is always better to consume EPA and DHA directly through food sources or supplements to gain maximum benefit.
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is mostly found in fatty fish or algae. EPA helps with circulatory health, boosts immunity, and supports brain health.
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of the most important omega-3 fatty acids. The source of DHA remains the same as EPA. It is the key structural component of your brain, the retina of your eyes, and various other body parts.

Difference between omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids

A lot of people get confused between omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and essential to the body. The main differences between these two are – omega 3 fatty acids are associated with reduced inflammation in the body, and omega 6 fatty acids are associated with increased inflammation. Health experts believe omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids compete for bodily absorption because they both require the same enzyme for digestion. You should ensure that there is a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your diet.

Fish Oil Benefits and Uses

Some of the main benefits of fish oil supplements are –

• It may support cardiovascular health
  Regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids from natural foods or supplements will take care of your heart health. It also reduces triglyceride levels and bad cholesterol in the body, thus reducing the risk of heart ailments.
• Needed for proper brain development of fetus and infants
  DHA plays an important role in the proper growth and development of the brain of the fetus. It also helps with vision and neurological development in infants.
• Supports joint health and may help prevent arthritis
  Omega 3 supplements help support your joint health. They reduce inflammation, which eases joint stiffness and pain.
• It can help fight depression and anxiety
  Depression and anxiety have become such common mental health issues in the modern world. Various studies have shown that in people suffering from depression and anxiety, when taking omega-3 supplements, the symptoms reduce, and they are likely to be less depressed.
• Can improve eye health
  DHA, which is a kind of omega-3 fatty acid, is a major structural component of the retina in your eyes. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may reduce the risk of macular degeneration, which can cause impaired vision.
• Good for hair and skin health
  Including premium quality omega-3 supplements and fish oil tablets in your everyday routine will be good for your hair, skin, and nails. It would regulate oil production in the skin and make your skin naturally radiant, strengthen your nails, and make hair strong and lustrous.
• Omega 3 benefits for bodybuilders
  Professional bodybuilders need to include different types of supplements in their routine. One such supplement is fish oil tablets. Muscle soreness is common after intense workouts. A lot of professional bodybuilders suffer from DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), which can be caused due to inflammation in their muscles. Various studies have shown that omega-3 supplements reduce the symptoms of DOMS. Consuming fish oil tablets regularly may improve workout performance in bodybuilders. The anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil tablets may enhance your muscles’ sensitivity to protein and resistance training, allowing for greater gains in muscle size and strength as you age.

Some other omega 3 benefits and uses include –

• Can reduce the symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children
• It may reduce the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, which include high blood pressure, obesity, insulin resistance, etc.
• Can fight autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, etc.
• It may reduce inflammation in the body
• Can fight age-related mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease

Why opt for only Fish Oil or Fish Oil tablets to get your daily dose of Omega-3 fatty acids?

A lot of people believe that getting omega-3 fatty acids just from their daily diet is enough. But that's not true. With age and at different life stages, the nutritional needs of your body keep changing. It is recommended that you include a fish oil tablet in your routine to get the daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil tablets contain omega-3 fatty acids to protect your heart and brain health. Some of them are enriched with vitamin A, which is a strong antioxidant, and vitamin D, which is beneficial for strong bones. The reference daily intake (RDI) of combined EPA and DHA is 250–500 mg. The RDI for total omega 3 fatty acids is 1100 mg for women and 1600 mg for men, which you can obtain through GNC fish oil tablets.

How do you choose the right fish oil tablet for you?

There are so many fish oil tablets and omega 3 supplements available that it has become difficult to narrow down the best omega 3 supplements. You should keep in mind the following points when choosing the right fish oil tablets for you.

• The best fish oil or omega-3 supplements have the right balance of EPA and DHA. Make sure that the omega 3 supplement you choose has both of these and is sourced from deep wild ocean fish.
• There is a high chance that if the omega-3 supplements don't go through stringent quality checks, their purity can be compromised. But with GNC omega-3 supplements, that is not a problem. They go through multiple stages of purification and filtration to ensure the best quality and maximum potency.
• To avoid fishy burps and bad aftertaste in the mouth, ensure that the fish oil tablets are enteric-coated.
• For some people, it is tough to swallow large pills. You can opt for mini omega 3 supplements to get all the goodness of omega 3 fatty acids but in mini soft gel capsule form.

What are the best fish oil supplements?

The best fish oil supplements are –

Fish Oil / Omega 3 fatty acids Side Effects

It is completely safe to consume GNC omega-3 supplements as per your doctor's recommendation. But there can be some side effects in certain cases. The most common side effects are –

• Gastro issues like – bloating, gas, constipation
• Fishy breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loose motion
• Headache

If any of these signs and symptoms persist, stop taking the omega-3 supplement and seek medical advice as soon as possible. If you are pregnant, a lactating mother, or take medication or treatment for any chronic illness, then stay away from fish oil tablets unless your doctor has recommended a particular one.

Where can you buy the best fish oil supplements online in India?

Browse through the entire range of GNC fish oil supplements and fish oil tablets on GNC India’s official website – www.guardian.in

You can read through various customer reviews and ratings before making the final purchase. Avail great deals and festive discounts to make your shopping all the more enjoyable. When you shop from the website, you know you'll get authentic and of the best quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are omega-3 fatty acids good for?
Omega 3 fatty acids have various benefits and help maintain your overall health and well-being. They help maintain your heart health and may reduce the risk of heart ailments like stroke, reduce inflammation in the body and maintain joint health, support brain health, minimize the problem of dry eyes, and are great for your skin, hair, and nails, and also on regular consumption of omega 3 supplements, they boost your immunity.

2. Do I need fish oil tablets?
One of the most commonly asked questions is – I eat a healthy diet, so do I need fish oil tablets? Yes, omega-3 supplements are for everyone, especially those who want to take extra care of their overall health and well-being. You might know that fish is considered the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. But a lot of people don’t eat enough fish on a daily basis. Some people are vegan or vegetarian, have a restricted diet, or might be allergic to seafood. For them, it is best to include premium quality and best omega 3 supplements like GNC omega 3 tablets to get all the goodness.

3. What foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids?
You can get omega-3 fatty acids from natural food sources like –

• Mostly Fatty Fishes like Mackerels, Anchovies, Tuna, etc.
• Nuts and seeds (flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds)
• Avocado
• Plant oils (soybean oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil)

Plant oils (soybean oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil)

4. Do pregnant ladies need omega-3 supplements?
When you get pregnant, you are usually bombarded with advice. The best idea would be to listen to your gynecologist and nutritionist to take care of your and the baby's health. The daily requirement of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy is increased. Adequate intake of omega-3 supplements during pregnancy ensures proper growth and development of the fetus. Various research shows that inadequate DHA in gestation may compromise fetal development. It is recommended that you get in touch with your gynecologist to know the best fish oil tablets for you and the daily dosage that will suit your health.

5. What are the symptoms of omega-3 deficiency?
Omega 3 deficiency is quite common, and these are some of the signs that indicate you are deficient –

• Fatigue and tiredness
• Weak bones
• Increases inflammation
• Unable to concentrate
• Poor memory
• Mood swings
• Dry skin
• Dry eyes
• Heart problems

The primary step to ensure reduced risk of deficiency is to have a proper balance of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids in your diet. It is recommended that you consult your doctor to know which omega 3 supplements will work for you and what dietary and lifestyle modifications you need to make to ensure you get over the omega 3 deficiency.