Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids,
which the body cannot make but absolutely needs for normal growth and
development. People living in industrialized countries eat up to 30 times more
Omega-6 fatty acids through their regular food than Omega-3 fatty acids,
resulting in a relative deficiency of Omega-3 fats. Omega-6 metabolic products
are formed in excessive amounts causing allergic and inflammatory disorders and
make the body more prone to heart attacks, strokes and cancer. Taking Omega-3 supplements can restore the
balance between the two fatty acids and can reverse these disease processes.
The richest source of Omega-3 is from Deep Sea Cold Water fish, such as Salmon.
Omega-3 contains two essential fatty acids : EPA (Eicosa Pentaenoic Acid) and
DHA (Docosa Hexaenoic Acid).
Benefits of Omega-3
Heart disease and Stroke
Omega-3 fatty acids
are good for heart. The Omega-3 supplements increase the concentrations of good
Cholesterol (high density lipoproteins, HDL) while decreasing the
concentrations of bad Cholesterol (triglycerides). In addition, eating Omega-3
rich food will result in a moderate decrease in total cholesterol level.
Furthermore,
Omega-3 supplements also protect the heart by preventing blood clots or
keeping other fats from injuring the arterial walls. They not only relax
arteries, but also help to decrease constriction of arteries and thickening of
blood. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease risk of heart attacks, strokes and abnormal
heart rhythms.
Diabetes
Individuals with
diabetes tend to have high triglyceride and low HDL levels. Omega-3 fatty acids
can help lower triglycerides and apoproteins (markers of diabetes), and raise
HDL, so people with diabetes may benefit from eating foods or taking
supplements that contain DHA and EPA.
Arthritis
Most clinical
studies investigating the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for
inflammatory joint conditions have focused almost entirely on rheumatoid
arthritis. Several articles reviewing the research in this area conclude that
omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning
stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for
people with rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition,
laboratory studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may benefit people with
other inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis.
Brain
After the age of
40, the brain reaction slows down a little and one can get forgetful at times.
However, research has now shown that lack of adequate Nutrients can accelerate
this normal slowing down of the brain. The essential fatty acids (Omega-3) help
keep brain cell membranes health and ensure adequate production of brain
chemicals.
Depression
People who do not
get enough omega-3 fatty acids or do not maintain a healthy balance of omega-3
to omega-6 fatty acids in their diet may be at an increased risk for
depression. The omega-3 fatty acids are important components of nerve cell
membranes. They help nerve cells communicate with each other, which is an
essential step in maintaining good mental health. In particular, DHA is
involved in a variety of nerve cell processes.
Eyes
Omega-3 are not
just good for your eyes, but indispensable. The retina of your eyes needs the
polyunsaturated Omega-3. The fluid quality that they impart to the membranes
enables your retina to convert, with lightning speed, the images it receives
into electrical signals to be sent to your brain. Omega-3 deficient fatty acids
can result in slower-than-normal responses to visual signals.
Another condition
that Omega-3 can safeguard your eyes against is Glaucoma. It’s caused by poor
circulation in the arteries that feed the eyes. This put pressure on the optic
nerves causing damage to the eyes. Omega-3 are a natural aid in preventing such
blood vessel disorders.
Asthma
Clinical research
suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may decrease inflammation and
improve lung function in adults with asthma. Omega-6 fatty acids have the
opposite effect: they tend to increase inflammation and worsen respiratory
function. Omega-3 supplements can keep the Omega-6 fats in check and decrease
the inflammatory reactions associated with asthma.
Weight loss
Many individuals
who are overweight suffer from poor blood sugar control, diabetes, and high
cholesterol. Clinical studies suggest that overweight people who follow a
weight loss program that includes exercise tend to achieve better control over
their blood sugar and cholesterol levels when they take omega-3 capsules.
Female
Health and Omega-3
The function of a
woman’s reproductive system– menstruation, pregnancy, menopause – often place
demands on her body that require extra nutritional support. The Omega-3 supplements
form an important component of a woman’s sexual health.
Women with
premenstrual syndrome (PMS) experience a pattern of various discomforts, some
of which can be quite severe. It is most likely to be severe in women who have
undergone a change in their levels of estrogen and progesterone, the primary
female hormones, or who are between the ages of thirty and forty-five.
Omega-3 fatty acids
play an important part in rebalancing the prostaglandins. The Omega-3
discourage the production of prostaglandins that irritate nerves and tissues
while encouraging the production of prostaglandins that soothe the body.
Selection of Omega-3
It is important to
find the right Omega-3 for maximum benefits.
Omega-3 from Deep
sea Cold water fish, Salmon is typically described as a “Long-Chain” essential
fatty acids, which have the advantages of being immediately available to the
body. The other sources (like canola and linseed (or flaxseed) oils, soybeans)
are described as “Short Chain” fatty acids, which must be converted to
long-chain by body before they can be utilised. The difference between long-chain
and short-chain Omega-3s is found in the way the body processes these important
nutrients. While both varieties are healthy, long-chain Omega-3s are more
efficient and act faster in the body than do short-chain Omega-3s. In fact,
research suggests that a person would have to consume six to ten times the
amount of short-chain Omega-3s to get the health benefits of one recommended dose
of long-chain Omega-3s.
Omega-3 must have
vitamin-E as anti-oxidant helping the body to “flush out” any toxins that are
“floating” around.
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