Omega-3 is one of the three essential fatty acids, the other two being Omega-6 and Omega-9. All three of these fatty acids fall under the category of either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, also known as healthy fats. In this article however, we will just be focusing on the importance and benefits of the Omega-3 fatty acids.

Being an essential fatty acid, it is vital to your health that you include the Omega-3 fatty acids as part of your diet. Since your body cannot produce the Omega-3’s, they must be obtained either in the foods we eat or in supplement form.

Some of the more popular sources of Omega-3’s are:

· Flaxseed

· Walnuts

· Sesame seeds

· Avocadoes

· Canola oil

· Salmon

· Albacore tuna

Omega-3’s have been shown to be able to increase insulin sensitivity in certain individuals by a substantial amount. With an increase in insulin sensitivity, this helps your body get a more an anabolic response to insulin, thus developing a better internal environment for building muscle and burning fat. This increase in insulin sensitivity may also have a huge benefit for those who suffer from diabetes.

With better control over your insulin, this can lead to huge progress if you battle with weight control or obesity. When you have a more stable output of insulin, this will reduce your cravings for sweets, keep your energy steadier throughout the day, and help to reduce and control mood swings from dramatic changes in blood sugar. Omega-3 can greatly increase natural thermogenesis (calorie burning), which enables your body to burn more calories throughout the day.

If you suffer from high blood pressure or heart disease, studies have shown that fish oil supplements and diets rich in Omega-3’s have been successful in significantly lowering blood pressure in subjects suffering from hypertension. Omega-3’s have also been known to help ward of the effects of atherosclerosis by preventing plaque buildup as well as blood clots.

You may also see Omega-3’s (or some source of them) listed on many joint health and repair products. This is because Omega-3’s have natural anti-inflammatory properties, and can also reduce the activity of certain enzymes that destroy cartilage. Omega-3 supplements have been shown to reduce joint tenderness and morning stiffness. If you suffer from arthritis or joint inflammation, Omega-3’s may be of major importance to your joint health.

In the case of osteoporosis, Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to increase calcium levels in the body, as well as calcium deposits in bones. Those individuals with deficiencies in these EFA’s have been shown to be more likely to suffer from bone loss than those with adequate amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3’s can even aid those with mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Omega-3’s are important members of nerve cell membranes, helping nerve cells communicate with one another. Nerve cell communication is essential to having good mental health.

With such a wide array of benefits, the simple addition of Omega-3’s to your lifestyle can have a dramatic positive impact on many areas of your life. It is no wonder that these "good fats" are called essential.