Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. This means that they are necessary for human health but the body can't make them. The three basic types of fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentanoic acid), DHA (docosohexanoic acid) and LNA (alpha linolenic acid).
You will probably not face a quiz asking you to recite those tongue twisters any time soon. Just remember omega-3. The only way to get this marvelous food substance is through the food you eat. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in both plant sources (flax seed oil) and animal sources (fish oil). Researchers agree that the best kinds of omega-3 fatty acids come from animal sources.
Foods such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and halibut are good examples.
These compounds play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Now much evidence exists that they also reduce the risk of heart disease. Especially sudden cardiac death.
The American Heart Association now recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least twice (two servings) a week. Each serving is a little under four ounces cooked, or about ¾ cup of flaked fish.
Increasing omega-3 fatty acid consumption through foods is preferable. However, those with a higher risk for coronary artery disease may not get enough omega-3 by diet alone. These people may also be candidates for supplements. Patients with high triglycerides may be helped even more with larger doses.
Also on the list of benefits is that of helping to lower cancer and arthritis. Patients have told me that they have also seen a profound effect with omega-3 supplementation and improved grades in school on the part of their children. Increased ability to focus and concentrate in the classroom have been reported again and again.
Another reported benefit is that of reducing inflammation. Inflammation has been linked to being the source of many underlying disease processes. So reducing inflammation has long been a goal of research medicine. Improvement in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis has appeared in the literature, as well.
Omega-3 products have long been widely available over the counter. There is now also a prescription-only omega-3 product known as Lovaza. Other health benefits have been reported in ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, depression, ADHD, Bi-polar disorder and more.
A caution note:
Because omega-3 oils can increase bleeding risk, be sure to let your physician know before you start supplementing and be sure to mention how much you are taking. This is especially important if you also take aspirin, Coumadin or Plavix. It is also important to add in a mix of omega-6 oils when you start taking omega-3 products. Your health care provider can advise you on this topic.
Omega-3 products can also raise blood sugar levels so diabetic patients need to be aware of this fact. The list of reported benefits is much longer that I've mentioned in this article.
Be sure to learn all you can about this amazing group of supplements.
To your good health
K.C. Moore, RPh
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