Nutritional supplements have over time become an abundant part of our day to day lives and health habits. We take these supplements for a multitude of reasons such as filling in gaps in our diet or fighting a disease, but in the end it all boils down to helping us live healthier lives. We know the usual supplements like iron, B12, calcium, potassium since they are a normal part of our diet due to being found in our food and naturally occurring within our bodies. But there are other supplements that can go a long way in aiding our individual health journeys. Supplements like saffron, ginger, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids. Here we will take a brief look at what omega-3 fatty acids are and how they differ from turmeric.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There are a lot of people who hear the word ‘fats’ and think of unhealthy foods and things to avoid when they are dieting. However, it is unhealthy to completely cut out fats from your diet as different fats do a lot for your body to function and be healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids are fats that the body cannot make itself and cannot make from other foods, so it is important to have them in your diet. They are three separate acids that form a group of polyunsaturated fats that we know as our omega-3s. The first two are Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA respectively) and are mainly found in fish. The third, alpha-linolenic (ALA) acid is commonly found in our vegetable oils, nuts, leafy vegetables, and a few other food sources.

Omega-3s are important because they play a vital role in our cell membranes and can have an effect on how our cell receptors function. On top of that, they also play a part in the productions of some hormones that are used to regulate blood clotting, inflammation of cells, and the function of artery walls. Because of these important roles, omega-3 fatty acids seem to play a vital role in disease prevention such as heart disease and disease control such as with arthritis. So here are some of the purported benefits offered by omega-3 fatty acids.

Improve risk factors associated with heart disease

Omega-3s can help lower triglycerides, blood pressure, and inflammation while improving HDl, also known as good cholesterol, and preventing blood clots and plaque buildup.

Reduce metabolic syndrome symptoms

Metabolic syndrome is not just one thing, it is a collection of issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL, and insulin resistance. It can increase your chances for other illnesses such as heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are purported to reduce insulin resistance, inflammation, and other heart disease risk factors.

Reduce inflammation

For the most part, inflammation is a natural and beneficial bodily function. It helps fight against infections within our body and damages on the outside like scratches. However, inflammation becomes a serious problem when it becomes chronic such as with heart disease or arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids can help in the reduction of different molecules and other substances within our bodies that are often linked with inflammation.

 

Omega 3s can play a role in many other areas of the body for a variety of ailments. Like with all things in life, moderation is key when it comes to supplements. Before adding omega-3 fatty acids to your routine, make sure to talk to your doctor about how much you should take in order to avoid taking too much and experiencing potential side effects.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a very common and popular spice in the food world, especially in Indian cuisine. It derives not only its distinctive color but also its health benefits from its main active component, curcumin. Curcumin offers a range of purported benefits that may be behind turmeric’s popularity that has lasted thousands of years. Beginning in India thousands of years ago, turmeric has been used not only as a spice but also as an additive in herbal remedies used to treat different ailments from inflammation to pain relief. So here is a look at some of the purported benefits that make turmeric and curcumin so popular.

Pain relief

Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory nature as well as an antioxidant side, it is because of this that it lends a hand in relieving some pain. It may provide beneficial for arthritis pain relief as well as post-workout soreness and it aids in the reduction of inflammation.

Reduction of inflammatory bowel disease symptoms

Inflammatory bowel disease is by nature an inflammatory disease that leaves many people miserable in day-to-day life as they struggle with its impact on their bathroom habits. With turmeric being anti-inflammatory in nature, IBS sufferers may experience some symptom relief after adding turmeric or curcumin-based supplements, such as those offered by Vidafy, to their daily routine.

Antioxidant

There are free radicals within our bodies, as normal levels they help our body function as usual, however, when left unchecked they can cause a number of health issues. Turmeric’s antioxidant nature helps reduce free radicals within the body as a way to proactively aid in preventing the development of different diseases and disorders.

Turmeric has a lot to offer especially the curcumin within it. It is important to have a supplement that has been heat treated to increase bioavailability, like what is offered by Vidafy, and take it with a meal with fats as it is fat soluble. Once again, speak with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet to make sure it is needed, at the proper amount, and does not interact with any medications you may be taking.