Sunday, December 28, 2008

Omega 3 & Fish Oils

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered the most essential fatty acids for your. They are essential to human health but unfortunately are not manufactured by our bodies. Omega-3 fatty acids must therefore be obtained from food sources. Omega-3 fatty acids are easily available from fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other marine life such as algae and krill, certain plants, and nut oils. Omega-3 is also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as proper normal growth and development.

There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids that are absorbed through foods and used by the body: Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). Once ingested, our bodies convert ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by our body. In depth research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive (brain memory and performance. Indications of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include symtoms of extreme tiredness (fatigue), poor memory, dryness of the skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulatory functions.

It is therefore highly important to maintain an appropriate in-take of omega-3 in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation.




Skin disorders: In a study of a large group of people with psoriasis, those who were treated with medications and EPA supplements did better than those treated with the medications alone.




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