Benefits of consuming Omega 3 during pregnancy.

Newly, caring of physical and emotional well-being has become the centre of our lives. Now, we are more aware than ever about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, in which sport, healthy diet, rest and emotional health try to live in balance.

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), gender is a determinant of health, in which the difference between men and women becomes a difference in the possible health problems that may be suffered.

In today’s post, let’s focus on women’s health. Throughout all their life stages, women face different situations which may affect our daily lives and our physical and emotional conditions. Pregnancy is a moment that marks our life, given the changes in which our body is involved.

Many scientific studies have developed the benefits of consuming Omega-3 during pregnancy to prevent possible future adversities.

Do you know what foods you can find this healthy fat in?

• Olive oil: it is one of the foods with a greater contribution of Omega-3.
• Blue fish: Anchovies, sardines, salmon or tuna; they are perfect options to introduce in your daily diet.
• Green leafy vegetables: salads will become a great ally to maintain a strong organism.
• Shellfish: Treating and caring yourself at the same time is possible.

From Esencia Califal’s team, we have thoroughly studied specific cases, in which Omega-3s can help us avoid potential problems and keep our body in good shape, we tell you!

Emotional instability in pregnancy

Becoming a mother is a revolutionary experience, a 360º change for life. During the whole process of pregnancy, hormones turn the woman’s body into an emotional roller coaster, which can take her in a matter of seconds from happiness to crying.

Estrogen and progesterone levels are very high, directly affecting emotions. According to the Chilean Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, during pregnancy the fetus requires a high demand for DHA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) to form its central nervous system.

When the mother provides these amounts, she is left with less volume of DHA in the body, directly affecting her emotional instability. This is why the consumption of Omega-3, during gestation, would help the regulation of women’s emotions.

Omega 3 to prevent preterm birth and preeclampsia

One of the biggest concerns that mothers have is that their baby gets into the world too early. Spain has one of the highest rates of premature births in Europe (28,000 babies, 1 in 13 per year), being babies born before 37 weeks considered as premature.

DHA acid, is an essential fatty acid for the development of some organs such as brain, so an intake of Omega-3 will help the fetus to develop in optimal conditions. In any case, this supplementation must always be guided by a professional, adapting to each case.

Other complications may also occur during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia. This pathology is recognized by very high blood pressure and involves different vital organs, usually in the liver and kidneys.

As blood pressure rises blood vessels narrow, slowing blood circulation. In this case Omega-3 is associated to cardiovascular protection, which helps regulate blood pressure, helping to prevent this disease.

There are several studies which have analysed the benefits of this essential fatty acid to prevent different complications during pregnancy, such as the medical journal BMC BioMed Central and the Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

From Esencia Califal, we want to help you lead a healthy lifestyle, accompanying you in the most important moments of your life. Our Omega-3 and Vitamin E Enriched Extra Virgin Olive Oil, will be the perfect ally to take care of you during your gestation period. You will enjoy all the benefits of this so essential oil as well as the flavour of the best Extra Virgin Olive Oil.