Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential nutrients for health. An essential fatty acid, means it cannot be manufactured by our own body and therefore must be obtained through our diet alone.
It is highly recommended by many doctors, psychologists, cardiologists and rheumatologists because of the strong scientific evidence and its many benefits. Here is a list taken directly from MedlinePlus, which is health information from the US National Library of Medicine:
- lowers blood triglyceride levels
- reduces the risk of heart attack
- reduces the risk of dangerous abnormal heart rhythms
- reduces the risk of strokes
- slows the build-up of atherosclerotic plaques
- lowers blood pressure
- reduces stiffness and joint tenderness associated with Rheumatoid arthritis
Omega-3 fish oil supplements may also help improve or prevent the following:
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- depression
- heart disease
- cancer
- arthritis
- diabetes
- hyperactivity
- ADHD
What’s particularly fascinating about omega 3 fatty acids is that both conventional and alternative medicine agree on its many health benefits.
The ideal ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 is 1:1. Our North American diets are however very deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids, yet have excessive amounts of Omega-6. This has resulted in us having a ratio of about 1:20. This relative omega-3 deficiency is what is believed to be the cause of numerous health problems and strongly supports the continual supplementation of Omega-3 in our diet.
| Foods containing Omega 3: | Foods containing Omega 6: |
|---|---|
| Flaxseed | Sunflower oil |
| Walnuts | Brazil nuts |
| Soybeans | Sunflower seeds |
| Navy beans | Pumpkin seeds |
| Kidney beans | Peanuts |
| Tofu | Whole grain bread |
| Fish | |
| Winter Squash | |
| Olive oil |
When buying Omega-3 supplements look for purity, potency and freshness. The brand name you choose should be able to provide you with detailed biochemical and toxicological analysis on the bottle. The potency should be measured in milligrams, with a ratio of 2:1 EPA:DHA.
A more recent development in this health sector is a new oil product known as Krill Oil, which is regarded by some as the best source of Omega 3.
For years, research has demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids help lower an individual’s risk for heart attack, stroke, certain cancers, depression and overall inflammation. The type of omega-3s to take, however, has not always been clear. Omega-3s are broken down into three main components; ALA, EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are found in marine sources and are the best-absorbed forms of omega-3 fatty acids. ALA is found in plant-based foods such as walnuts, algae and soybeans. It’s a great source, especially for vegetarians, but may not be as well-absorbed as their marine counterparts. The Dr Oz Show blog features this interesting and balanced opinion in a blog on the merits of Krill Oil, see http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/kristin-kirkpatrick-ms-rd-ld/new-omega-3-krill-oil
A Canadian company that originated as a biotechnology company Neptune Technologies and Bioressources Inc. There driving goal was to discover and innovate a new form of Omega-3 phospholipids. Today, they provide that superior Omega-3, and remain committed to science for ongoing research to support our health claims. Here is an interesting blog from their website, see http://neptunekrilloil.com/choosing-best-source-omega-3/
The evidence appears overwhelming in support of supplementing our diets to remain healthy.
