The main reason why omega-3 fish oil supplementation is so effective is its ability to reduce triglycerides. These are the fatty acids that travel through your bloodstream, increasing the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and heart disease.

Studies have shown that regular omega-3 fish oil use can lower triglyceride levels through a number of mechanisms [2][3].

Another way in which omega-3 fish oil can help with heart health is by increasing nitric oxide during exercise [4]. Increased nitric oxide helps blood flow and can help lower blood pressure.

It is hardly surprising therefore, that omega-3 fish oil has been found to return blood pressure to normal levels in a number of studies [5][6][7].

Interestingly, omega-3 fish oil may also have a small (yet significant) effect on waist circumference, one of the biggest factors in heart health for adults.

In 2017, a study on 54 patients with Type II Diabetes found that regular consumption of omega-3 fish oil led to reductions in waist circumference that were greater than the placebo [8].

There are many benefits to a reduction in body fat, particularly visceral fat that can surround the organs.

Other ways in which omega-3 fish oil can protect your heart is by reducing cortisol levels and lowering inflammation, both of which we will take a look at in more detail later.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is a big deal, particularly as we age. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to help reduce inflammation when they are taken regularly [9][10][11]. They do this by forming prostaglandins, which can regulate your immune system, increasing anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, and reducing the impact of pro-inflammatory cells such as leukocytes and cytokines.

There are many benefits to reducing inflammation. Reduced joint pain, lower risk of certain diseases, a lower risk of obesity, and improved mental health are all associated with a drop in inflammation.

Improves Mood and Mental Health

There is an established link between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and improvements in the symptoms of depression [12]. A 2003 study, published in the Journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology found that omega-3 fatty acids provided an antidepressant effect for people with major depression [13].

The likely mechanism for this is omega-3’s ability to reduce inflammation, its ability to improve serotonin’s transport through cell membranes, and its ability to increase a polypeptide BDNF which helps to fight depression.

Supports Overall Health

As you can see, Tongkat Ali is able to help improve your physical, mental, and sexual health by increasing testosterone, reducing cortisol, and allowing you to feel less stressed. There are many benefits that are tied to being less stressed, and many benefits tied to having higher testosterone levels.

Protects Your Eyes

One of the most effective ways to protect your eyes from the effects of time is to get your Omega-3:6 ratio correct. This is a measure of how much omega-3 you are consuming compared to omega-6 fatty acids. Many people don’t consume enough omega-3 fatty acids through their diet, which disrupts the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 and causes eye problems. By taking omega-3 fish oil, you can improve the ratio and protect your eyes.

Boosts Cognition and Supports Brain Health

Alongside its ability to fight depression, omega-3 fish oil may also help you to think more clearly, with boosts to cognition being noted in several studies. There have been a lot of studies on how it can improve working memory in children with ADHD [14], but there have also been studies on adults (who do not have ADHD) where omega-3 supplementation increased reaction time [15] and boosted cerebral blood flow.

If you are looking to focus more, or make quick decisions in difficult situations then omega-3 fish oil could make a big difference. Its ability to lower cortisol [16] may play a large role in this. Lower cortisol levels means better sleep, better cognition, and less stress (we tend to think clearer when relaxed).

There is also evidence that omega-3 fish oil may help to slow or even prevent cognitive decline [17]. This may not seem like a relevant benefit now, but as we age cognitive decline may become more of a concern.