What are the common mistakes people make when they sit down to eat? Nutrition has become a topic of considerable interest, and an ever-growing number of people are trying to find out more about it.

There is no doubt that, in recent years, the increased consumption of saturated fats in the daily diet, combined with an unhealthy, hectic and stressful lifestyle, has caused a rapid rise in chronic diseases affecting the cardiovascular system, autoimmune conditions and inflammatory disorders.

We now know that food can be a form of medicine, but when we do not always have the opportunity to follow a correct and balanced diet, nature offers us various possibilities that it would be wise to take advantage of. It is also essential to consider that even by consuming foods such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp oil, walnuts and soya — all rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor omega-3 — the human body has a limited capacity (around 7 per cent) to convert the ALA precursor into EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

One of the wonders that nature makes available to us is fish oil which, with its significant content of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, offers an important source of supplementation that is fundamental for good health and the proper balance of the body.

The importance of omega-3

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), polyunsaturated fatty acids described as "essential" because the human body is unable to synthesise them independently, yet they are of the utmost importance for maintaining balance with omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. It appears, in fact, that an imbalance between the two groups of fatty acids, caused by an insufficient intake of omega-3, can prompt the body to release substances that promote inflammation, especially during periods of intense stress. Furthermore, an increase in dietary saturated fats can be considered an additional cause of this imbalance.

What omega-3 is used for

Their cholesterol-lowering action is now well established, with a reduction in LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL and a reduction in blood triglycerides. For this reason, omega-3 fats represent a valuable aid in preventing atherosclerotic processes. Regular intake of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil helps prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease and its associated complications, as well as preventing troublesome forms of cardiac arrhythmia. The intake of fish oil has beneficial effects on blood pressure; its mildly blood-thinning action can help maintain normal blood pressure values. Omega-3 fatty acids are also fundamental for the formation of cell membranes and healthy brain development. The importance of EPA and DHA supplementation during pregnancy is scientifically proven, both for the health of the woman and, above all, for the correct neuronal development of the unborn child.

And it is precisely because of the important role omega-3 plays in human brain function that supplementation is frequently used in neurological settings — not only as a support to conventional therapies for serious conditions such as Alzheimer's, but also, simply, to slow cognitive ageing and preserve memory function over the years. Their immunomodulatory action should not be underestimated, and is especially significant given the rising incidence of autoimmune conditions. Nor should we forget their anti-inflammatory function, which is capable of inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This anti-inflammatory action is not limited to the joints but extends to the intestinal tract as well. Omega-3 fatty acids are fundamental for supporting the cell membranes that protect the intestine from the typical damage that can occur in conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for eye health, as they play a role in the development of ocular tissues, promote capillary elasticity in the eyes and can help prevent damage caused by chronic hyperglycaemia.

Excellent results have also been seen in dermatology in the treatment of psoriasis, with a reduction in itching and an overall improvement in the condition of the skin, as well as in cases of asthma.

Omega Silver, the reliable supplement

Choosing the right supplement is not straightforward, and a product that guarantees the purity and quality of its raw material is not always a given. Natural Point, a leading company in the herbal sector, has created Omega Silver, a dietary supplement of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that meets all the characteristics required to be considered a reliable product.

Omega Silver is produced using small fish caught in uncontaminated areas, in full compliance with the specifications of Friends of the Sea, an organisation that guarantees ethical fishing, respect for protected species and the preservation of the seabed. The extracted oil undergoes a specific process called Qualitysilver®, which ensures the stability of the product against oxidative processes, further enhanced by Licaps® capsules that provide the fish oil with additional protection.

Furthermore, in Omega Silver the omega-3 fatty acids are found in the chemical form of "triglyceride", which has been shown to be better absorbed by the body, with a blood concentration of EPA and DHA more than 50% higher than that achieved with the classic chemical form of "ethyl ester".

Usage advice and dosages for Omega Silver

Fish oil capsules are generally taken during or after meals, at different dosages depending on the specific concern being addressed. For the prevention of cardiovascular problems and for most other indications, taking one capsule per day is sufficient; for the prevention and support of issues related to brain function and visual difficulties, taking three capsules per day is recommended.

Where to buy it

Omega Silver can be purchased at all the best herbalist's shops, the best natural food stores, and at pharmacies and parapharmacies. It is available in three different pack sizes: 50 capsules for 13 euros, 100 capsules for 23 euros and 200 capsules for 38 euros.

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