Why Are People So Crazy About Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

According to a survey by the National Centre for Health Statistics and the National Centre for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, omega-3 fatty acid supplements are the most common non-vitamin, non-mineral natural product taken by adults these days. This statistic is hardly surprising when you think about how many wellness experts and health organisations, as well as the mainstream media and Internet supplement makers, extol the wellbeing benefits of omega-3s, but what’s all the fuss about?

There are two omega-3 fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in seafood, such as fish, krill, and calamari. These acids are known as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and the highest sources of them can be found in cold water, fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna. Research has consistently shown that fish eaters are less likely to die from coronary heart disease, and omega-3s are thought to be the reason why.

However, studies have also linked EPA and DHA to other benefits, ranging from brain health to improving psychological disorders and treating arthritis. Yet, omega-3s really shine when it comes to heart health. EPA and DHA help to reduce your triglyceride levels and blood pressure, slightly raise your levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, provide blood-thinning benefits, slow your progression of atherosclerosis (which leads to heart disease), and reduce your risk of sudden death due to cardiac arrhythmia.

So are omega-3 supplements just as good as eating fish? The American Heart Association prefers a food-based approach to increasing intake, but supplements still have their place. According to Roberta Anding, MS, RD, Director of Sports Nutrition at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital, ‘Studies have found benefits for both fish and fish oil. If an individual does not like fish, then clearly the supplement form is a better option.’

She adds that fish can contain mercury, which is detrimental to wellness, noting ‘Additionally, it is cold water fish that contains the omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, so eating tilapia from the Gulf (of Mexico) is not the same in (omega-3) content as wild Alaskan salmon.’ However, it’s best to get your omega-3s from dietary sources if you can, and consult your doctor before moving on to supplements.

Why Are People So Crazy About Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Categories: acids, Benefits, fatty, fatty acids, Fish, heart, heart disease, national centre, Omega, omega 3s, Omega-3

What Foods Are The Best Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acid?

Omega 3 fatty acid is very important for your health, and is available in food and in vitamins, minerals and supplements. It helps to maintain your wellness and wellbeing by helping to keep your brain and body healthy by reducing inflammation and keeping the system functioning as quickly as possible.

Oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and sardines and game such as venison and buffalo are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids, but if you are not getting enough of this type of food in your diet, you could be in trouble, as your omega 3 stores will be depleted.

There are, however, other types of foods that contain omega 3, so you can look out for these and aim to include them in your diet, too.

Algae oil, for example, is a good choice for vegetarians who cannot get omega 3 into their diet through fish and game. This can be available in capsule form.

Krill oil comes from a shrimp-like crustacean and can either be ingested through eating krill, or in supplement form, which you can purchase over the counter at most health food shops.

Flaxseed oil is another great source of omega 3 fatty acids, and it too is suitable for vegetarians. In addition to supplying a great source of omega 3, flaxseed oil also contains a very similar substance to female oestrogen in the form of plant oestrogens, and this can be beneficial to women who are experiencing the menopause.

Cod liver oil contains vitamin A and vitamin D as well as omega 3 fatty acids, and is a great daily supplement for maintaining wellbeing.

What Foods Are The Best Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acid?

Categories: acids, fatty, fatty acid, fatty acids, flaxseed oil, Food, form, oil, Omega, Omega-3, Supplements

What Foods Are The Best Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acid?

Omega 3 fatty acid is very important for your health, and is available in food and in vitamins, minerals and supplements. It helps to maintain your wellness and wellbeing by helping to keep your brain and body healthy by reducing inflammation and keeping the system functioning as quickly as possible.

Oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and sardines and game such as venison and buffalo are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids, but if you are not getting enough of this type of food in your diet, you could be in trouble, as your omega 3 stores will be depleted.

There are, however, other types of foods that contain omega 3, so you can look out for these and aim to include them in your diet, too.

Algae oil, for example, is a good choice for vegetarians who cannot get omega 3 into their diet through fish and game. This can be available in capsule form.

Krill oil comes from a shrimp-like crustacean and can either be ingested through eating krill, or in supplement form, which you can purchase over the counter at most health food shops.

Flaxseed oil is another great source of omega 3 fatty acids, and it too is suitable for vegetarians. In addition to supplying a great source of omega 3, flaxseed oil also contains a very similar substance to female oestrogen in the form of plant oestrogens, and this can be beneficial to women who are experiencing the menopause.

Cod liver oil contains vitamin A and vitamin D as well as omega 3 fatty acids, and is a great daily supplement for maintaining wellbeing.

What Foods Are The Best Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acid?

Categories: acids, fatty, fatty acid, fatty acids, flaxseed oil, Food, form, oil, Omega, Omega-3, Supplements