What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
Omega 3 fatty acids are a certain type of unsaturated fat that the body needs but cannot produce on its own; therefore it must be obtained from food. The three main types of Omega 3 fatty acids that are integral to the body’s metabolism are a-Linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (ELA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).
Sources of Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fish oil sources such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, tuna and bluefish. Other sources of Omega 3 can be found in marine life such as krill and algae or from nuts and seeds such as flaxseed or walnuts.
As more people are becoming consumed with the importance of low fat diets to their overall health and wellbeing, many are adopting a regimen that excludes fat completely from their diets. Truth be told, not too long ago, Omega 3s were a regular part of everyone’s diet long before the evolution of technology to enhance food production.
While it’s true that trans and saturated fats such as ones found in red meat, processed foods and dairy products, have been known to raise cholesterol and blood sugar to unhealthy levels, polyunsaturated fats (Omega 3 fatty acids), are actually beneficial to your overall health. Omega 3 fatty acids truly play a key role in lowering the body’s cholesterol.
Omega 3 fatty acids offer a host of other benefits to overall health which include but are not limited to:
- Lowering blood pressure levels
- Preventing allergies
- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Promoting healing from illness or injury
- Balancing blood sugar levels
- Combating depression
- Preventing certain cancers
Though the most common source of Omega 3 can be found in fatty fish, marine sources, seeds and walnuts, the average person may not be able to consume enough of what the body needs to make a significant impact on their overall health. Therefore it would be beneficial to include Omega 3 supplements as part of your daily regimen along with a balanced diet.
Before you take any vitamin or natural supplement, consult with your healthcare provider to see what he / she recommends.