Omega 3 Fatty Acids: What are They, Really?

"The physician who knows only medicine, knows notof Well BeingStrength and StaminaAnd Helps Maintain
even medicine."Cholesterol Levels that are Already within the Normal
Omega-3s are "fatty acids" that help build other fatsRange*Your grandmother probably used fish oil in the
in the body. They derive their name from theirform of cod-liver oil, which is rich in vitamins A and D.
chemical structure -- the "omega" end of theIt was used to prevent rickets (a disease resulting in
molecule has its first double bond in the "3" position.weak bones that is caused by a deficiency of those
Know what that means? Do you really care whatvitamins). Even though cod-liver oil is one of the most
that means? Isnt fat just fat?Scientists have founddisgusting foods known to man, taking it daily was a
that historically the Eskimos of Greenland havegiven in many households. It turns out the reason
enjoyed exceptional heart health despite a diet verythat cod-liver oil was so beneficial was not because
high in fat. After some research, it was discoveredof those vitamins, but because of its high levels of
that the primary source of the fat in their diet camethe long-chain, omega-3 fatty acids called EPA and
from sea mammals, which contain high amounts ofDHA.EPA is a key factor for controlling insulin levels,
omega-3 fatty acids.Research has uncovered a manyand DHA is essential to maintain and rebuild your
beneficial health effects of these types of fats. Theybrain. So, Grandmother was doing an excellent job in
are essential for the proper development of nerves,promoting health in your parents.Equally important,
eyes and brains in growing children. They protectmany neurological conditions such as depression,
against dying from a heart attack. And they havemultiple sclerosis, and attention deficit disorders are
been studied for their beneficial effects onlinked to low levels of DHA in the diet;
inflammatory diseases (see Dr Barry Sears Books onsupplementation with fish oils rich in DHA often show
Omega 3 and inflamation) such as arthritis, lupus anddramatic improvement within a few weeks.Dr. Barry
asthma.Three major types of omega-3 fatty acidsSears is a research scientist and creator of the world
exist. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is in plant foods suchfamous Zone Diet. His most recent book, The
as flaxseed, walnuts and canola oils.EicosapentaenoicOmegaRx Zone - The Miracle of the New High-Dose
acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, areFish Oil, is the culmination of 20 years of research on
found in fish and algae, especially in fatty fish such asthe benefits of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids
salmon, trout and herring.Human milk contains all threecontained in fish oil. In fact, Dr. Sears pioneered the
types of omega-3 fats: ALA, DHA and EPA. (DHA isdevelopment of pharmaceutical-grade fish oil, a highly
the main type needed for brain, eye and nerverefined nutritional supplement rich in DHA and EPA.
development.)The American Heart AssociationThis work continues his life long dedication to using
recommends healthy people eat omega-3 fatty acidsdiet to help people maintain their state of
from fish and plant sources to protect their hearts.wellness.Author Bio: My name is Ruth Bird, and I am
Have you heard of this miracle?Scientific Evidencethe owner of 3 dogs, 2 are Registered Therapy
Reveals a Diet Rich in Long-ChainVisiting Dogs, my third dog is blind. My passions are
Omega-3 Fatty Acidshealth for people and pets and promoting a happy,
Helps SupportA Healthy BrainA Healthy HeartAhealthy and wealthy lifestyle. Omega 3 has become
Healthy Immune SystemHealthy Jointone of my favorite topics.
MovementHealthy KidneysBalanced Mood and Sense