Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Fish Oil Supplements

Just like any other kind of nutrients, essential fatty acids are vital in the proper functioning of the body. As one of the nutrients that the body cannot synthesize, essential fatty acids are specific fats that can be obtained from other food sources depending on the type that the body needs.

Essential fatty acids come in different forms, but the main types that must be included in the diet are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are involved in several normal body functions, including regulating blood clotting and building the cell membranes in the brain. In addition, they help in maintaining the viscosity of the blood to prevent the formation of unwanted blood clots in the arteries that might cause heart attacks and stroke. Current studies aim to identify their potential benefits in other types of health conditions, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Two major types of omega-3 fatty acids are usually found in different kinds of food. The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) can be obtained from some vegetable oils like soybean, rapeseed or canola oil, flaxseed oil, and walnuts. ALA can also be taken from green vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and salad greens. On the other hand, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are acquired from fatty fish.

Similarly, omega-6 fatty acids contain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are common in the Western diet because safflower, corn, cottonseed, and soybean oils are usually added in their meals. This type of fatty acid reduces the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is commonly referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. It also serves as protection against heart disease.

Of these two main types of essential fatty acids, insufficient omega-3 fatty acids in the diet result to more adverse effects. Low levels have been associated with dementia, hair and skin problems, mood swings, memory loss, and certain vision problems.

Although it is a known fact that these essential fatty acids are required in the daily diet, most people do not get their daily servings of certain foods that are rich in these nutrients. They can choose to take supplements to obtain the necessary dosage of omega-3 fatty acids.

For example, individuals who do not eat fish can take fish oil supplements. Usually, mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber, or seal blubber are used to manufacture fish oil supplements. Small amounts of vitamin E are added to prevent spoilage. Other vitamins and minerals in fish oil supplements are calcium, iron, or vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, or D. As “brain food,” some people eat fish to alleviate and control depression, psychosis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s disease, and other thinking disorders. Generally, it is recommended to take 500 mg per day of essential fatty acids supplements.

Essential fatty acids are important to the body’s health. Thus, it is good to check each person’s diet to ensure that he or she is getting the adequate supply of these essential building blocks. Include fatty fish, soybeans, green vegetables, and other good sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the grocer’s list. Or, invest in dietary supplements that contain these essential fatty acids.

Choosing a Health Store for your Omega 3 Supplements

We find ourselves at a time where almost everyone are starting to be more conscious about their diets and the food they intake. Fat may be something that most health-conscious eaters avoid, as they have been branded to relate to heart diseases and obesity. However, one type of fat that belongs to the popular crowd of nutrients such as amino acids and dietary fiber, is omega 3 essential fatty acids.

 

Omega 3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fats. All polyunsaturated fats, including omega 3s, are increasingly recognized as important to human health. Omega 3 is to the brain what protein is to muscles and calcium is to the bones.

 

Most Western diet consumer far more omega 6 rich foods than omega 3 foods. Omega 6 is another type of polyunsaturated fatty acids found in grains, most plant-based oils, poultry, and eggs. The ratio in a diet is out of balance for almost everyone. With the popular recognition of Omega 3 as an essential nutrient by most experts, many recommend consuming a better balance of these two essential fatty acids in a ratio of 5:1 omega 3 to omega 6.

 

It is recommended to include a supplement of omega 3 essential fatty acids if you are to choose just one supplement. Omega 3 helps aid normal growth and health and also maintains and develops healthy skin. A diet with sufficient amount of omega 3 supports heart health and circulation, reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and lowers the levels of fats in the food and reduces irregular heart beat risks. It also regulates blood pressure and the risk of hypertension.

 

Aside from benefits to the heart and circulatory system, omega 3 also strengthens your immune system, improves your joint function and mobility, and aids the development and function of the central nervous system. Omega 3 is also vital for brain growth, development and function – including memory, concentration, and learning enhancement. It also supports brain and eye development in the fetus, and help maintains hormone balance.

 

Omega 3 oils are found primarily in cold-water fatty fish such as fresh tuna, mackerel, herring, and organic salmon.

 

In order to assure the proper amount of intake of Omega 3 essential fatty acids, you have to find a health store that offers effective and quality supplements for your needs. Better Living Natural Foods has been central to Etobicoke’s choice for natural products and foods for over 30 years. This health store has built an excellent reputation for its commitment to caring for the health of the community it serves.

 

Better Living has developed the finest quality and selection of innovative natural and organic products, including your sources for omega 3. They offer professional supplements, children products, even beauty aids, in order as well as proper health information in CDs, DVDs, and print publication for the consumer’s overall health and well-being. Better Living also offers services such as iridology, ION cleansing, detoxification kits, and weight loss consultation for its customers. Consult with Better Living Natural Foods to ensure proper intake of Omega 3 in your diet now!