What Is Omega 3?

Are you wondering if omega 3 is good for you?

Well lets find out - Omega 3 can provide the most and the best health benefits you will ever need especially with today's many diets.

What is omega 3? 

 Omega 3 are considered essential fatty acids and generally found in marine and plant oils. They contain essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that your body needs but unable to produce. This means that we have to get these from our daily diet or through supplementation. 

Omega 3 fatty acids come in three important types:

•  ALA or alpha linolenic acid - Plants like flax contain ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is partially converted into DHA and EPA in the body. 

•  EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid- EPA and DHA are in a form that is readily absorbed and used by the body and are found together only in fatty fish and algae.

• DHA or docosahexaenoic acid- DHA and EPA affect different aspects in our health to bring about holistic health benefits. 

 What are the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids? 

•  Blood fat [triglycerides]. According to a number of studies, fish oil supplements can also cut elevated triglyceride levels. Having high levels of this blood fat is a risk factor for heart disease. DHA alone has also been shown to lower triglycerides. 

• Cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to lower the overall risk of death from heart disease. Fish oil may reduce arrhythmias, and people who take fish oil supplements after a heart attack cut their risk of having another heart attack. Eating fish once or twice a week seems to significantly lower the risk of stroke. Rheumatoid arthritis. A number of studies have found that fish oil supplements [EPA+DHA] significantly reduced stiffness and joint pain. Omega-3 supplements also seem to boost the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs.

•  Depression. Researchers have found that cultures that eat foods with high levels of omega-3s have lower levels of depression. Fish oil also seems to boost the effects of antidepressants. Fish oil may help reduce the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder. 

•  Prenatal health. Studies show that EPA and DHA supplementation during pregnancy boost the health of pregnant women and the development of their children. DHA appears to be important for visual and neurological development in infants. 

• Asthma. Evidence suggests that a diet high in omega 3s reduces inflammation, a key component in asthma. However, more studies are needed to show if fish oil supplements improve lung function or reduce the amount of medication a person needs to control their disease. 

• ADHD. Some studies show that fish oil can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in some children and improve their cognitive function. However, more research is needed in this area, and omega-3 supplements as a primary treatment for this disorder are not supported by research. 

• Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The evidence is preliminary, but some research suggests that omega-3s may help protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Recent studies have also evaluated whether the omega-3 supplement DHA can slow the decline seen in those with Alzheimer's dementia or in age-associated memory impairment. One recent study showed that DHA can be a beneficial supplement and may have a positive effect on gradual memory loss associated with aging. However, more research needs to be done. 

These statements are not medical advice and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.

 A great Supplement to find Omega-3 and Omega- 9 fatty acids is Forever Artic Sea. This also contains Oleic acid which may help reduce cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy heart, blood pressure and skin. Its also recommended for children to support concentration and learning.