These are the Benefits of Omega 3 & 6 for Mental-Body Health During a Pandemic

JAKARTA – It has been more than a year that people have been advised to do activities at home because the pandemic is still not over. Feelings of boredom and boredom will certainly appear when you are at home all the time. This can cause stress, and can affect mental health and result in decreased immunity.

Therefore, while at home it is recommended to do activities that can create a sense of enthusiasm and happiness. Trying a new hobby such as cooking can be an option. Cooking is known to reduce stress and make you happy. Not only being creative, cooking yourself can ensure quality, nutritious and healthy food for your family or loved ones.

Choose ingredients that contain omega-3 and omega-6 which are needed to maintain mental and body health. Omega-3 and omega-6 are unsaturated fatty acids that are useful for building cells and controlling inflammation.

This type of fat can not be made naturally in the body but through eating foods that have sources of omega-3 and omega-6. Although similar, these two types of essential fats have different roles and benefits for the body. Here is the explanation.

Omega-3
Omega-3 contains three types of unsaturated fats with various benefits. One of them is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which functions to produce molecules that help reduce inflammation and also reduce symptoms of depression.

Then, there docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is essential for brain growth and development. DHA is the main component for building 8% of the brain’s weight. Then there is alpha linolenic acid (ALA), a good fat that is useful for producing energy for the body.

Omega-6
While the main function of omega-6 fatty acids is to produce energy. In addition, these fatty acids can be converted into arachidonic acid (ARA) which is used to become eicosanoids which are chemicals from unsaturated fatty acids. These pro-inflammatory eicosanoids are important ingredients in the immune system.

Not only that, Omega 6 can also reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).

Get Foods with Omega-3 and Omega-6
It is important to have a balanced intake of omega-3 and 6, because each has an essential role needed by the body. For intake of omega-6 easily found in mayonnaise, soybeans, almonds, and coconut oil. Meanwhile, omega-3 is contained in salmon, sardines, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.

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