Do We All Need Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
Omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids are found in the brain in high concentrations and are particularly essential for behavioural and cognitive function.
They can by obtained via fish-oil supplements and from foods as they cannot be manufactured by the body. The three primary fatty acids that are utilized by the body for different functions include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). When foods containing these acids are ingested, the body takes the ALA and converts it to DHA and EPA, which are utilized by the body more readily.
The Sources
Cold-water fish including salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and halibut are the primary source of DHA and EPA. Sources of ALA include walnuts, broccoli, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, cantaloupe, canola oil, kidney beans, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seed oil, perilla seed oil and walnut oil. As mentioned earlier, another way of getting the required amount of Omega 3 fatty acids is by taking fish-oil supplements. New Zealand green lipped mussels have been used for centuries as a potential source.
The Benefits
Scientific research has long proven that these Omega 3 fatty acids play a vital role in brain function and help prevent a host of medical illnesses. Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil help raise HDL and lower triglycerides and are especially beneficial for people suffering from diabetes, bipolar disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, prostrate cancer and colon cancer.
In addition Omega 3 fatty acids also possess other properties that make them valuable in the treatment of other conditions including:
High Cholesterol - The substance present in walnuts and fatty fish, is rich in ALA, and has been proven to reduce the levels of total cholesterol as well as trigycerides in the body.
Heart Disease