(NC)-Omega-3 fatty acids, found in seafood such as canned tuna and salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines can offer important health benefits:

. Lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

. Decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke and blood clots.

. Reduce the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of age-related vision loss in Canada.

. Aid in fetal and infant brain, eye and nervous system development.

. Help alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory diseases.

. Protect against certain cancers such as breast, colon and prostate.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential during pregnancy and lactation, helping the brain of the fetus develop and thrive. Omega-3 consumption during pregnancy has been positively linked to:

. Fetal brain development

. Fetal retinal development

. Fetal/maternal full-term delivery

. Maternal cardiac health

. Reduction in maternal stroke risk

. Reduction in maternal post-partum depression.

Credit: http://www.newscanada.com