posted from: https://www.eyescience.com/2013/omega-3-fatty-acids-benefits-2/

Ever feel like you’re lost in a sea of supplements?  With all of the vitamins and minerals that people tout as beneficial, it can be easy to forget which health benefits are associated with certain supplements.  So, we’d like to tell you about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids.  They play a significant role in managing not just your health, but also your eyesight.  Take a look at some of the things we love about fish oil.

Improved Eye Health

If you suffer from dry eye, omega-3 fatty acids help to decrease dryness and inflammation.  Additionally, in a 2009 National Eye Institute (NEI) study, it was found that participants who reported the highest level of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet were 30% less likely than their peers to develop macular degeneration during a 12-year period.

Heart Healthy

Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. While we don’t recommend substituting supplements for gym time, omega-3 can do your heart good, particularly in conjunction with diet and exercise. In essence, omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, which damages blood vessels and causes heart disease.  It is also believed that omega-3 fatty acids decrease triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and reduce blood clotting.

Better Cognitive Functioning

A recent study suggests that lower levels of omega-3s are associated with smaller brain volumes and worse cognitive performance. Those with reduced omega-3 levels are likely to lose some of their ability to think abstractly and to remember things.

In short, if you want to aid your eyesight, help your heart, and treat your brain right, consider adding an omega-3 supplement to your diet.  You—and your optometrist—will appreciate the benefits!

The post 3 Ways Omega-3 Benefits Your Diet and Eye Health appeared first on EyeScience.