The benefits of Omega-3 fish oil include reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke while helping to reduce symptoms of hypertension, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), joint pain and other rheumatoid problems, as well as certain skin ailments and systemic inflammation. Some research has even shown that Omega-3 fish oil can boost the immune system and help protect us from an array of illnesses including Alzheimer’s disease.
Just how do Omega-3s perform so many health “miracles” in people? One way, experts say, is by encouraging the production of body chemicals that help control inflammation in the joints, the bloodstream, and the tissues.
If you want to increase your overall health and energy level. You want to prevent heart disease, cancer, depression and Alzheimer’s. Perhaps you also want to treat rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, Raynaud’s disease and a host of other diseases. One of the most important things you can do for all of these is increase your intake of the omega-3 fats found in Krill Oil, salmon, and cod liver oil, and reduce your intake of omega-6 fats.
These two types of fat, omega-3 and omega-6, are both essential for human health. However, the typical American consumes far too many omega-6 fats in their diet while consuming very low levels of omega-3. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is 1:1. Today, though, our ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 averages from 20:1 to 50:1! That spells serious danger for you, and as is now being reported throughout even the mainstream health media, lack of omega-3 from Krill Oil is one of the most serious health issues plaguing contemporary society.
Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish oil and certain plant/nut oils. Fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), while some nuts (e.g., English walnuts) and vegetable oils (e.g., canola, soybean, flaxseed/linseed, and olive oil) contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Evidence from several studies has suggested that amounts of DHA and EPA in the form of fish or fish oil supplements lowers triglycerides, slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques (”hardening of the arteries”), lowers blood pressure, as well as reduces the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known heart disease. However, high doses may have harmful effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding. Although similar benefits are proposed for alpha-linolenic acid, scientific evidence is less compelling, and beneficial effects may be less pronounced.
Fat (also known as lipid) is one of the three classes of nutrients. The other two are proteins and carbohydrates. The major function of fat is to provide energy for the body. Pound per pound, fat contains more energy (calories) than protein and carbohydrates. There are three types of fat; triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids.
Fatty acids consist of chains of carbon atoms linked together by chemical bonds. On one end (terminal) of the carbon chain is a methyl group (a cluster of carbon and hydrogen atoms). On the other terminal is a carboxyl group (a cluster of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms). The chemical bonds between carbon atoms can be either single or double bonds. Single bonds have more hydrogen molecules around them than double bonds. These chemical bonds determine whether a fatty acid is saturated or unsaturated. Fatty acids also come in different lengths: short chain fatty acids have fewer than 6 carbons, while long chain fatty acids have 12 or more carbons.
Our bodies benefit the most from short chain unsaturated fats like omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats from fish oil provide the most beneficial effects on the body compared to all other sources of omega-3. Omega-3 is available in softgel or bulk liquid forms at your local or internet discount vitamin store. Look for name brands when purchasing omega-3 to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Omega-3 is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.