BENEFITS OF OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS. It has been recognized that the people of Greenland and northern Japan have a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and relatively lower in omega-6 fatty acids compared to other populations. These populations also have an unusually low incidence of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids provide a wide range of health benefits, well supported in the literature, including reductions in the risk of coronary heart disease and regulating cholesterol. Fish oil, naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has gained popularity as a dietary supplement. The primary essential fatty acids in the human diet are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish oil from wild (not farm raised) deep cold water fish like salmon or cod. Fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Some nuts (English walnuts), seeds (flaxseed), and vegetable oils (canola, soybean, flaxseed, linseed, olive) contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which may be converted to EPA and DHA in the body. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in palm, soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower oils. Omega-9 fatty acids are not considered essential because they can be produced within the body but can also be found in animal fat and olive oil. The optimal healthy ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is thought to be 4 to 1, while the American diet generally provides a ratio of 20 or 30 to 1. Omega-6 fatty acids have been linked to inflammation and thrombosis, both of which are integral steps leading to blood vessel blockage by atherosclerosis. Coronary blood vessel blockage causes heart attacks; cerebral blood vessel blockage causes stroke; and leg blood vessel blockage causes peripheral vascular disease and the possible need for amputation. My recommendation is to review your personal diet, read labels, and try to get adequate dietary omega-3 fatty acids. If your diet is low in omega-3 products and you feel you may benefit from a supplement, discuss it with your doctor.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:31:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015