Most people have probably heard about the benefits of Omega 3s, as they’ve become one of the most popular supplements on the planet. However, when people think about Omega 3s, they usually think about their benefits for cognitive function and preservation, or for their heart health benefits. But did you know that Omega 3s could make you a faster, stronger and overall higher performing athlete? In this article, we’re going to outline some of the main benefits of Omega 3s for athletes and why you should consider supplementing your diet with them.
They Can Help You Recover Faster
When you go through weight training sessions, your muscles start forming multiple tiny micro tears, and it’s the healing process of these micro tears that allows you to build stronger, bigger muscles. It’s also the reason why your body can ache for days after an intense session. But Omega 3s can help speed up recovery thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega 3s can also be great if your job is physically demanding and you want to reduce the inflammation at the end of a tiring day.
You’ll Become Stronger
If you’re trying to get some gains and increase your power, then Omega 3s can help you in this way too. Omega 3s will reduce muscle breakdown, which will increase protein synthesis. This is the process through which the human body transforms proteins absorbed through food and changes them into muscle protein. In a study that was performed by Washington University in 2011, it was reported that men that took Omega 3s had a better muscle response to amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.
However, it’s important to note that the participants were given long chain Omega 3s, which are much more efficient than other forms. So, if you’re going to take supplements, you have to make sure that they contain long chain Omega 3s if you want to get all the benefits. One example can be seen through Immunocorp’s Arctic Ruby which is a supplement that has long chain Omega 3s. It is made from calanus oil, which is one of the most bioavailable forms of Omega 3s you’ll find anywhere.
They Can Boost Reaction Times
The well-known cognitive enhancing properties of Omega 3s could also help athletes improve their reaction times. Omega 3s play a very important role in visual signaling and processing, and are a very important component of muscle membranes, nerve endings and neurons. In one particular study, a group of soccer players who were administered fish oil supplements were able to significantly improve their reaction times after only four weeks.
Not only that, but Omega 3s could improve muscle response as well. Omega 3s help signals move from one cell to another much faster, and your body’s muscle membranes, neurons and nerve endings will affect your whole body’s neuromuscular function. In one study, male participants were able to increase their neuromuscular function in their thighs by 20% and also reported a lot less muscle fatigue.
Limits Overuse Injury Risks
Omega 3s can also reduce the chance that you’ll suffer injuries from overuse by easing inflammation, reducing muscle degradation, increasing blood flow and oxygenation of the muscles, and reducing joint tenderness by improving range of motion.
They Can Help You Burn Fat
If you want to get faster and lighter on your feet, Omega 3s might help you in this regard. In one study, a group of adult participants were able to significantly cut their fat mass after being supplemented with fish oil rich in Omega 3s. That is because having sufficient amounts of Omega 3s in your body allows it to burn fat more effectively. It also allows you to keep more of your muscle mass, which also will burn more calories.
They Will Make Exercise and Competition More Comfortable
One of the major benefits of Omega 3s is that they help to increase the flow of oxygen to the heart during exercise, meaning your heart does not have to work as hard. This means that you’ll be able to use less oxygen then your competition, which will prevent you from running out of steam. And everything you do will take less energy, whether you have to perform a tackle, do long distance running, or kick a goal.
Increases Bone Strength
Omega 3s could also make your body more resistant against bone injuries according to studies. If you play soccer, hockey, rugby, or any type of contact sport, brittle bones can be a real concern. One study found that supplementing your diet with Omega 3s could improve calcium absorption, leading to stronger bones.
Omega 3s have tons of properties athletes can benefit from, and if you don’t have enough in your diet, we suggest you start supplementing today if you want to improve your performance, prevent injuries, and speed up recovery.
