:: Essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Why are Omega 3s so Important?
• They are considered essential because the body cannot synthesize them. Therefore, the only source for Omega-3s is what is consumed through diet or supplements. It is very important to maintain a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation.

Promotion & Support of:

• Cardiovascular Health
  • High Cholesterol
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Excess Weight
• Brain and Nerve Function
  • Stroke
  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • ADHD
  • Migraines
• Vision & Eye Health
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Glaucoma
• Immune System Health
  • Breast Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Asthma
  • Lupus
• Healthy Joints and Movement
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
• Skin Health
  • Burns
  • Acne
  • Psoriasis
  • Eczema
• GI Health
  • IBD
  • Ulcers
• Endocrine Health
  • Menstrual Pain
  • Fibroids
    

Different types of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)- cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, and herring
• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)- cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, and herring
• ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)- flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, canola (rapeseed) oil, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil, purslane, perilla seed oil, walnuts, and walnut oil.

What is the Best Sources for Omega-3s?
• High quality distilled fish oils and plant oils
• It is important to verify that the omega-3 fatty acid supplements made by established companies are certified that their products are free of heavy metals such as mercury

Why fats in general are so important?
• Energy- fats are the most plentiful source of energy used by the body.
• Protection- fat surrounding the organs serves as a protective pad and fills in the gaps that would normally allow the organs to move around
• Maintenance of Body Temperature- fats have great insulating properties
• Transport of Nutrients-fats that are consumed provide the stimuli for bile salt secretion from the gall bladder and are critical for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins
• Regulation of Stomach Clearing-fats in the stomach are responsible for triggering the reflex which allows food to stay in the stomach, thus allowing for more digestive action
• Hormone Synthesis- essential fatty acids are crucial for the synthesis of the hormones of the body
• Satiety- since fats allow for food to stay in the stomach longer, they allow for signals of satiety to contact the brain
• Cell Membrane Structure- fats make up the majority of the cell membrane which is the most basic building block of the body