Omega 3 is Essential to Your Diet
October 1, 2009
Not all fats are bad, and omega 3 is one of those that is not only good, but essential. Omega 3 fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained from a person’s food intake.
Omega 3 is found in sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and halibut, and other fish, as well as other marine life such as algae and krill. They are also found in plants such as purslane and nut oils.
Because omega 3 is mostly found in fish and other marine animals, vegans and vegetarians often lack needed levels of these important fatty acids. Those consuming a low fish diet need to take a regular, high-quality supplement that includes omega 3.
Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for proper brain function as well as normal growth and development. They appear to be especially important for brain memory and performance and proper behavioral functions.
In addition, the American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
The result of a deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids can range from irritating to severe. Infants who do not get enough omega 3 from their mothers during pregnancy may develop vision and nerve problems.
Symptoms may include extreme fatigue, poor memory, poor circulation, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings, and depression.
Not only can omega 3 fatty acids help prevent diseases and health issues, but many studies now indicate that omega 3 can be used as a successful treatment for a variety of health problems.
Omega 3 is being used to lower high cholesterol, lower high blood pressure, and combat heart disease. Studies suggest that these fatty acids help prevent blood clots and the clogging of arteries and improve over all heart health.
Omega 3 can also aid those with diabetes by lowering triglycerides and apoproteins, which are both diabetes indicators. Similarly, many people who are overweight suffer from poor blood sugar control or diabetes.
When omega 3 is included in a diet and weight loss program, better control over blood sugar and cholesterol levels have been achieved.
Arthritis sufferers have also begun to benefit from a diet rich in omega 3. These fatty acids help reduce joint stiffness and tenderness and are known to lower inflammation. Omega 3 often reduces the amount of medication required for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Additionally, use of omega 3 is being used to help those with asthma, burns, inflammatory bowel disease, depression and other mental health issues, menstrual pain, and even cancer.
Benefits of omega 3 are just beginning to be felt and can aid in so many aspects of a person’s health, however a large dependency on Omega 3 rich in EPA and DHA is dependent on fish oils, and for Vegetarians and Vegans who choose to leave such foods out of their diet, a lack of natural omega 3 is common.
Whilst many vegetarians and vegans believe flax seed oil is an appropriate alternative, it has recently been proven that flax seed oil doesn’t provide enough omega 3, and that vegetarian omega 3 supplements provide more EPA and DHA by sourcing omega 3 from algae- the original source of omega 3 fish consume.
Guest article submitted by V-Pure- the UK’s largest promoter of algae-based natural omega 3 for vegans and vegetarians.
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Great article! A balanced intake of Omega 3 is essential, there are 8 factors in Omega 3 (the well known EPA and DHA and then a firther six similarly named compunds) and to get them all in decent quantities a variety of foods need to be eaten. it is unlikely that just one source will have the full spectrum.