While health experts argue the benefits of some health
supplements, the evidence continues to mount in favor of fish
oil. Fish and fish oil supplements supply us with the Omega 3
fatty acids that are needed for heart and brain health. Even the
American Heart Association strongly endorses the use of fish oil
for cardiovascular health. Why? Because those with diets rich in
Omega 3 fats are less likely to have high blood pressure or
irregular heart rhythms, and are less likely to die from heart
attacks or strokes.
Omega 3 fatty acids are also beneficial for brain health. The
human brain is more than sixty percent structural fat. But, the
type of fat needed for the brain to function properly is Omega 3
fatty acids. According to recent research, decreasing your
intake of Omega 6 fats (primarily vegetable oils) along with
increasing Omega 3 fatty acids, reduces the risk of depression,
aggressive behavior, attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia
and lowers your risk of developing Alzheimer's. Other current
studies with Omega 3 fats have shown benefits with regards to
cancer, inflammatory diseases, diabetes and other health related
conditions.
Of course we all know that there are good fats and bad fats. Any
artificially produced fat, called transfats, are not good for us
and saturated fats should always be kept at a minimum.
But there is a type of fat called EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids)
that are not only good for you but essential for normal growth
and development. Furthermore, your body can't manufacture them,
so you must get them from your diet. Essential Fatty Acids are
polyunsaturated and are grouped into Omega 6 and Omega 3's.
Although both types of Omegas are essential for health, experts
agree that our diet ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids is
greatly unbalanced. While our ancestor's diets consisted of a
diet ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 of about 1:1, our modern
dietary habits now reflect a ratio closer to 20:1 to 50:1.
According to Dr. Donald Rudin, author of Omega 3 Oils, fatty
acids are the main structural components of every cell membrane
in the body, and therefore influence every process in the cell.
He concludes that a balanced intake of essential fatty acids is
necessary for both healthy cell function and a sense of
well-being.
The permeability of the cell depends on the essential fatty
acids. This allows nutrients into the cell and toxins to escape.
When we rely on other fats to do the job required of Omegas 3
fats the structure of the membrane of each cell becomes stiff
and unable to remain healthy enough to do its job.
The primary sources of Omega 6 fats are canola, soy, corn,
safflower and sunflower oil. These oils are overabundant in the
typical diet, which explains our excess Omega 6 levels. Omega 3
fats are typically found in flaxseed, walnuts and fish.
The Omega 3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish, such as tuna,
salmon, trout and mackerel consists of DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Omega 3's in the form of
ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) can be found in flaxseed and walnut
oils, and seaweed. However, the body must convert ALA to DHA and
EPA to derive the heart & brain healthy benefit. This conversion
however, is often difficult for some people to make. Therefore
getting your Omega 3 fat acids directly from cold water fish or
fish oil supplements may be your best bet.
Omega 3 fatty acids...An important addition to
True Healthy
Living!
About the author:
Due to personal health issues we have been researching health &
fitness for the last five years. The information we have
obtained has helped us and our family members get off
pharmaceutical drugs and regain a level of health we had never
known. Please visit us at
http://www.truehealthyliving.blogspot.com
