Omega-3s are said to be good for both your cognitive and heart health, which is why many people consider taking omega-3 supplements like fish oil pills -- especially if they're not getting enough omega-3s in their diet. However, though there are health benefits to omega-3s, it's important to consider the potential risks and whether taking these in supplement form is right for you. To help you figure it out, we did the research.
What are omega-3s?
Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, are an essential part of the human diet. Unlike other fats that the body is capable of synthesizing (called non-essential fatty acids), omega-3s can't be made from scratch. They're vital for various bodily processes, such as making hormones for blood clotting, artery contraction and relaxation and genetic functions. In other words, we need omega-3s, and we can only get them from food or supplements. There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:
Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA
Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA
Alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA
Various types of fish contain omega-3s. fcafotodigital/E+/Getty Images
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