Should men eat omega 3 or not?

Many studies confirm the unique benefits of omega-3s for the body. Omega-3 fatty acids can even help treat many diseases. By consuming fatty fish 2-3 times a week, the body’s need for omega 3 is completely eliminated, but the deficiency of this nutrient can be eliminated by taking omega 3 supplements. The price of omega 3 pills varies depending on the brand and whether it is Iranian or foreign. But do omega-3s have special benefits for men? Is it better for men to use omega 3 or not?

What is fish oil?

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids and is obtained from fatty fish such as mackerel, tuna and herring. Omega-3s cannot be made in the body and are therefore considered essential. Two of the most well-known types of omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is another type of omega-3 found in some plant sources such as flaxseed. Symptoms of omega-3 deficiency include fatigue, sleep disturbances, skin and hair problems, depression, difficulty concentrating, dry eyes, and more.

Benefits of Omega 3 for Men

Omega-3 fatty acids can possibly have the following benefits for men:

Sexual health and increased fertility

Studies in this area are incomplete, but omega-3 fatty acids may be effective in men’s sexual and fertility health. An animal study in 2017 examined the relationship between omega-3s and erectile dysfunction due to atherosclerosis. Thinning blood vessels can have a negative effect on erection. The study found that erectile power was improved in mice fed omega-3s.

In 2020, a study of 1,694 young male participants found that people who took fish oil supplements had larger testicles and better semen volume and quality. More research is needed in this area and these results can not be conclusively confirmed.

Improve mental health by consuming omega 3

Research suggests that there may be a close link between depression and omega-3 levels in the body; People with depression generally have low levels of omega-3s in their blood. In a small study, omega-3 supplements were found to help improve depressive symptoms. Omega-3 capsules with DHA alone or in combination with EPA may also improve memory function and help prevent dementia in old age, but more research is needed and certainly not. Related to omega-3 benefits for men or women.

Promote heart health

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Eating as much fish as possible may reduce the risk of heart problems and be effective in maintaining heart health. Fish oil, which is rich in omega-3s, can lower triglyceride levels in the body and help control blood pressure. Consumption of omega-3 is also effective in reducing bad cholesterol in the blood. With all these interpretations, the link between omega-3s and the reduced risk of heart disease still needs further investigation.

Omega 3 and eye health protection

Adequate levels of omega-3s in the body protect the health of the eyes and visual system. A 2017 study showed that fish oil may be used in the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases Macular degeneration Age-related as well as dry eye disease. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends fish oil to reduce the symptoms of dry eye. However, there are other studies that show no association between omega-3s and dry eye.

As you can see, some of the benefits of omega-3s are not limited to men and can actually affect both men and women.

Side effects of omega 3 for men

Before taking an omega-3 supplement, you should consider its potential risks. While some studies suggest that omega-3 rich diets may be helpful in preventing prostate cancer, other studies show the opposite:

Omega 3 and prostate cancer in men

Recent studies provide more evidence for an association between omega-3s and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Previous research has shown conflicting results. In one study, 834 men with prostate cancer were studied, 156 of whom were in the advanced stages of cancer. The results of this study showed that the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood of these people was high. According to the study, high concentrations of omega-3s put 43% of men at higher risk for prostate cancer.

On the other hand, researchers have found that men who have high levels of omega-6 in their body are less likely to develop prostate cancer. With this in mind, researchers believe that doctors should assess the risk of prostate cancer in men before prescribing omega-3 supplements. Note that the link between omega-3s and prostate cancer is not yet certain, and that research only speaks to the possibilities.

Other omega 3 side effects

Mild side effects that may be seen in men and women when eating omega-3s include:

• Bad breath
• Diarrhea
• Blowing
• nausea
• Other gastrointestinal symptoms

These are rare and if they do occur, they are usually due to omega-3 overdose.

Concluding remarks

In this article, we examined the benefits of omega-3s for men as well as the side effects of omega-3s for men. Especially about the side effects of this nutrient for men, it should be said that more research is needed and the link between prostate cancer and omega-3 fatty acids needs further study. First of all, try to eliminate the omega-3 deficiency by consuming fatty fish such as salmon, and secondly, with the help of a doctor, if necessary, get help from omega-3 supplements and fish oil.