Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Fish Oil, Supplements, Sources
Omega 3 fatty acid helps treat an impressive number of ailments, including skin diseases, PMS, inflammation, fatigue, and diseases associated with obesity, which has become the number one preventable cause of illness in America. This section will provide information on omega 3 fatty acid supplements and sources.
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The body needs fatty acids to build cells walls and produce energy, in particular omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Some of these acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) , can be synthesized in the body. The remaining fatty acid that the body needs but cannot synthesize are called essential fatty acid (EPA).
Essential fatty acids can be omega 3, as found in flax seed, cod liver oil, and fish oil, or omega 6, as found in evening primrose oil . It is thought that in the past, human beings consumed a diet with a one to one ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 EFAs. However, most modern people get more omega 6 in their diets. Today's average dietary ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 is about one to ten. Many nutritional experts believe that people need to raise their intakes of omega 3 and reduce their intakes of omega 6 for better health.
Many experts have attributed this to an increase in the use of oils high in omega 6 acids and a decrease in the consumption of food rich in omega 3 EFA, such as fatty fish.
In addition, low fat diets can substantially reduce the levels of essential fatty acids in the diet, which eventually could lead to deficiencies. Essential fatty acid deficiencies have been linked to cardiovascular problems, could inhibit the absorption of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin D, which are essential for the health of the eyes, teeth, bones, immune system, and many other functions of the body.
Omega 3 fatty acids also help reduce the number of triglycerides in the plasma. Triglycerides are the body's most common chemical form of fat. They are important for maintaining energy throughout the day, especially between meals. Triglycerides are stored in the body's fat cells, and then released into the bloodstream. However, if the body's triglyceride level is too high, it can lead to cardiovascular and arterial problems.
As of now, there is no USRDA for omega 3 fatty acids, but good results have been seen in clinical studies with as little as two to four grams of omega 3 fatty acids per day added to the diet.
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