Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Their Health Benefits

 

What are they? Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat (like omega 6), considered an essential fatty acid because it cannot be manufactured by the body. As a result, people must obtain omega 3 fatty acids from foods such as fish, nut, and plant-based oils such as canola oil and sunflower oils.

What are the types of omega 3 fatty acids?

ALA – ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid, is an 18-carbon chain and three cis double bonds. The first double bond is located in the n-3 position or at the omega end of the fatty acid. Thus, ALA is considered a polyunsaturated n−3 (omega 3) fatty acid.

EPA – EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid contains a 20-carbon chain and five cis double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end. Therefore, EPA also is considered an omega-3 fatty acid.

DHA – DHA or docosahexaenoic acid is a 22-carbon chain with six cis double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end of the fatty acid.

What are the sources of these omega 3 fatty acids?

ALA – Canola, Soybeans, Walnuts, and Flaxseed.

EPA – Oily fishes such as Cod Liver, Herring, Mackerel, Salmon, and Sardines.

DHA – Oily fishes such as Cod Liver, Herring, Mackerel, Salmon, and Sardines, and also are produced from algal fermentation.

Roncuvita Omega 3 Fish Oil Softgel is one of the best products in its range. It is rich in fatty acids and comes with EPA 180/DHA 120 to ensure a healthy life for one and all. Extracted from healthy fish, it is created through molecular distillation to let out heavy metals like mercury.

What are the health benefits of omega 3s?

Omega 3 fatty acids correct imbalances in modern diets that lead to health problems. Eating foods rich in Vegan Omega 3 fatty acids can help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer as Well as lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol.

ALA – Studies show a diet high in ALA helps reduce heart disease and stroke by reducing cholesterol and

Triglyceride levels, enhancing the elasticity of blood vessels, and preventing the build-up of harmful fat deposits in the arteries. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported the majority of U.S. diets no Longer contain the amount of omega 3 fatty acids needed by our bodies for overall health and wellness.

EPA/DHA – Studies show that diets high in amounts of EPA and DHA help with brain and eye development, prevents cardiovascular disease, and can help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

For example, diets notably high in DHA have been known to protect against degenerative processes within the retina of the eye1  to increasing the problem solving skills in nine month old infants.2

 A 10-year study correlated increased intakes of DHA/EPA as consumed by various population sectors with relative risk of heartrelated deaths. Those who increased consumption of DHA/EPA up to 664 mg/day were associated with an approximate 40 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease and a significant reduction in all-cause mortality.3 All infant formula is now supplemented with DHA.