Table of contents:
- What are the benefits of eating foods that contain DHA?
- 1. Reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke
- 2. Reducing the risk of ADHD in children
- 3. Prevent babies born prematurely
- 4. Helps fight inflammation
- 5. Prevent cancer and Alzheimer's disease
In order for your body to carry out its every function properly, you need nutritional intake from foods that contain DHA. DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid, a fatty acid that belongs to the omega-3 group. Some examples of foods that are high in DHA are fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines; seaweed; walnuts; fish oil and canola oil; and chia seeds (chia seeds). So, why do we need adequate DHA intake from food?
What are the benefits of eating foods that contain DHA?
The human body actually produces DHA naturally by the body, but in very small amounts. Therefore, we must help meet their intake from daily food.
Quoting various studies compiled from various sources, here are the benefits we can get if we diligently eat foods that contain DHA:
1. Reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Indonesia. This disease usually occurs due to high blood pressure or blockage of the heart arteries (atherosclerosis) due to the buildup of plaque from cholesterol.
Well, foods that contain DHA are good for heart health. DHA is thought to be superior to improving heart health than its counterpart, the EPA. DHA is reported to be more effective than EPA for lowering triglyceride fats in the blood and increasing good cholesterol levels.
Apart from maintaining heart health, another benefit of DHA is that it improves endothelial function, namely the ability of blood vessels to dilate. If the endothelial function is good, then blood flow is not obstructed, thereby reducing the risk of stroke.
2. Reducing the risk of ADHD in children
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by difficulty concentrating and impulsive behavior. Children with this disorder generally have lower levels of DHA in the blood.
DHA plays an important role in increasing blood flow around the brain. The content of omega-3 fatty acids in foods containing DHA helps strengthen brain function in children. That's why parents should meet their child's DHA needs as much as possible to prevent ADHD.
3. Prevent babies born prematurely
Apart from children, DHA is also important for pregnant women and their fetuses. Research shows that pregnant women who consume foods containing DHA have a lower risk of preterm delivery than pregnant women who do not consume DHA.
In addition, DHA is also important for the development of the baby's brain and eyes. So, fulfill the DHA needs from food or supplements on the doctor's recommendation to prevent these two things.
4. Helps fight inflammation
Heart disease, rheumatism, or gum problems occur due to inflammation in the body. DHA has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce or fight this inflammation.
A study showed that rheumatoid patients who consumed 2,100 mg of DHA daily, decreased swelling in the joints by 28% compared to patients who did not take DHA.
In addition, increasing DHA intake also helps balance excess levels of omega 6 fatty acids, thereby preventing inflammation.
5. Prevent cancer and Alzheimer's disease
Researchers believe that foods containing DHA are able to reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of abnormal cells in the body.
Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for cancer. Eating foods high in DHA has been shown to prevent various types of cancer, such as breast, colorectal, prostate and pancreatic cancer, according to several studies.
The anti-inflammatory properties of DHA also have the potential to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by decreased cognitive function of the brain. DHA can improve brain function to be better so that Alzheimer's disease can be prevented or slowed its development.
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