Fish Oil University – Become An Expert On Omega-3 In Under A Minute
Omega-3 fatty acids might seem like some big intimidating term scientists discuss, but it’s actually very simple. They’re nutrients, like carbohydrates and proteins and whatnot. The name Omega-3 comes from the type and shape of the molecules that make it up. Like other nutrients, we get them from the food that we consume. Fish is generally where we can get {a great deal|most|much of} our Omega-3 needs; or perhaps I should say, where we don’t get our needs. See, the majority of people don’t buy enough fish to get the necessary Omega 3s. More often, consumers usually get their Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil capsules.
I realize that some of you might see “fatty acids” and jump to assume that it’s not good for your health, but that’s not the case. In the 1970s, scientists studying the Greenland Inuit people observed that even if they consumed significant amounts of fatty acids from the seafood they consumed, they had extremely miniscule rates of heart disease. The US FDA finally recognized the link between good fatty acids and cardiovascular health in 2004, giving a “qualified health claim” status to good fatty acids like Omega-3s.
So what makes these Omega-3s so special? Well, Omega-3s are a kind of essential fatty acid (EFA). EFAs are vital to our bodies to function well. That’s why they’re titled “essential” fatty acids and not optional fatty acids. If we don’t obtain sufficient EFAs, we run the risk of heart disease, arthritis, and many other chronic ailments. Some research has also shown that a lack of EFAs could cause depression and weight gain. EFAs also support brain function and proper development, particularly in kids. You recall how people say fish is brain food? They’re referring to the essential fatty acids in fish.
There are different kinds of EFAs, though. There are the Omega-3s which you see particularly in fish, and the Omega-6s which can be prevalent in vegetable oils. Anti-inflammatory Omega-3s keep the inflammatory Omega-6s in check. The best ratio is 1:2, but most diets usually lead to a significant imbalance, with many Americans ingesting a ratio of one Omega-3 per twenty Omega-6s!. This leads to a condition called silent inflammation. There aren’t any symptoms apparent from this until it’s way too late and various conditions start affecting your body, so it’s better to make sure you’re getting enough Omega-3s in your diet. This is where fish oils really make a difference.
There are a few types of Omega-3 acids also. You have the EPAs, DHAs and ALAs. Vegetarians often consume ALAs which are prevalent in flax seed oils. The body can only make use of EPA and DHA, and only converts a very tiny amount of these ALAs into EPA and DHAs though. Whatever is remaining becomes inflammatory. You’re much better off with the EPAs and DHAs found in fish oils. You’re probably getting more than you need of the inflammatory fatty acids as is.
Like I mentioned earlier, the majority of people don’t eat enough fish to get an adequate quantity of Omega-3 fatty acids. This is because our diets have changed so that we don’t really eat that much fish anymore. In addition, we’re going to have to eat a lot of fish to get the levels of Omega-3s we require. Not to mention the risk of toxins in the fish. With modern pollution, you can’t ever be sure. Fish oils are a much better alternative to consuming a boatload of fish. They’re easy to purchase, and with today’s technological advances, the risk of contamination in fish oil supplements are extremely minimal. That is, provided you buy a high quality brand. It will be costlier than the numerous generic brands out there, but you pay a premium for safety.
Consuming a sufficient quantity of Omega-3s is very beneficial to our good health. With the introduction of quality {omega-3 supplements}, it has never been easier to get your daily dose of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Brittany M. Wallace is a health and nutrition expert, with particular expertise with Omega 3.
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