The benefits of Omega 3

Omega 3Omega 3 essential fatty acids have recently received a great deal of attention in the fitness industry. They are strongly becoming a nutrient which is often prescribed in large quantities by your trainer or dietician. But why the hype?

Omega 3 have numerous benefits in health, performance and aesthetics to name but a few. Unfortunately, in the UK we are severely deficient in Omega 3, this is primarily down to our nutrition habits and Westernised diets. This short blog outlines the 3 (of many) primary benefits of increasing your Omega 3 intake.

 

#1: Omega 3’s reduce inflammation in the gut and gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation is more common that we think and can hamper your aesthetic results when exercising and dieting. Inflamed clients will find it increasingly difficult to reduce their body fat and increase lean muscle tissue. Inflammation is also detrimental to health as it can be associated with heart disease and chronic fatigue syndrome. Furthermore, recent studies have resulted in rheumatoid arthritis patients reducing swelling and inflammation within their joints.

 

#2: An increase in Omega 3s have resulted in an improved sensitivity to insulin. This is excellent news for health and the ability to manage blood sugar efficiently but also from an aesthetics point of view. If you or your client is sensitive to insulin then the ability to build lean muscle tissue is far greater. Insulin has the ability to be the most anabolic hormone in the body, so long as it’s managed correctly and the client maintains their sensitivity to it. Insulin resistance can not only compromise your client’s ability to build muscle but also their health. Insulin resistance over a sustained period of time can result in conditions such as Diabetes Type II and Obesity.

 

#3: Omega 3s have been strongly associated with improved cognitive ability and psychological wellbeing. A study by Sarris et al., (2001) at the University of Melbourne reported that increases in Omega 3 may be associated with improving the depressive symptoms of patients who suffered with Bipolar. Although Sarris et al., did not recommend any dosage within their conclusion, it is recommended by some fitness professionals such as the Poliquin Group to consume 4grams of Omega 3 every day. However we advise that you confer with you health professional before undertaking any new dietary regime or supplementation.

 

Sources of Omega 3 can be both natural and food based (Salmon, Flax-seeds) or if needed via supplementation. FLM Training always recommends you research any supplement product in depth prior to consuming and ensure you purchase only the highest quality of product available.

We hope you enjoyed this short article, please leave a comment below.

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