Fats are made up of fatty acids that help to regulate blood pressure, inflammation and blood clotting. Fats provide energy and help you absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Fats are necessary for hormone production, insulation and protection of vital organs. Fats come from both animal and plant sources. Excess dietary fat is stored as adipose tissue.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet

There are many health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows strong evidence that the omega-3s EPA and DHA can help lower triglycerides and blood pressure. And there are studies showing that omega-3 fatty acids may help with other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and many more.

Just what are omega-3 fatty acids exactly? How much do you need? And what do all those abbreviations -- EPA, DHA, and ALA -- really mean? Here's a rundown on omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Basics

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. We need them for our bodies to work normally. Because essential fatty acids (ALA, DHA, EPA) are not made in the body or are inefficiently converted from ALA to EPA and DHA, we need to get them from our diet .

Omega-3s have a number of health benefits. Omega-3s are thought to play an important role in reducing inflammation throughout the body -- in the blood vessels, the joints, and elsewhere. However, omega-3 supplements (EPA/DHA) may cause the blood to thin and cause excess bleeding, particularly in people taking anticoagulant drugs.

There are several types of omega-3 fatty acids. Two crucial ones -- EPA and DHA -- are primarily found in certain fish. Plants like flax contain ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is partially converted into DHA and EPA in the body. Algae oil often provides only DHA.


Most experts say that DHA and EPA -- from fish and fish oil -- have better established health benefits than ALA. DHA and EPA are found together only in fatty fish and algae. DHA can also be found on its own in algae, while flaxseed and plant sources of omega-3s provide ALA -- a precursor to EPA and DHA, and a source of energy.


Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Benefits

  • Blood fat [triglycerides]. According to a number of studies, fish oil supplements can lower elevated triglyceride levels. Having high levels of this blood fat is a risk factor for heart disease. DHA alone has also been shown to lower triglycerides.


  • Rheumatoid arthritis. A number of studies have found that fish oil supplements [EPA+DHA] significantly reduced stiffness and joint pain. Omega-3 supplements also seem to boost the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs.


  • Depression. Some researchers have found that cultures that eat foods with high levels of omega-3s have lower levels of depression. Fish oil also seems to boost the effects of antidepressants. Fish oil may help reduce the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder.


  • Prenatal health. DHA appears to be important for visual and neurological development in infants. However, studies are inconclusive as to whether supplementing omega-3 during pregnancy or breastfeeding benefits the baby.


  • Asthma. Evidence suggests that a diet high in omega 3s reduces inflammation, a key component in asthma. However, more studies are needed to show if fish oil supplements improve lung function or reduce the amount of medication a person needs to control their disease.


  • ADHD. Some studies show that fish oil can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in some children and improve their cognitive function. However, more research is needed in this area, and omega-3 supplements as a primary treatment for this disorder are not supported by research.


  • Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The evidence is preliminary, but some research suggests that omega-3s may help protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Recent studies have also evaluated whether the omega-3 supplement DHA can slow the decline seen in those with Alzheimer's dementia or in age-associated memory impairment. One recent study showed that DHA can be a beneficial supplement and may have a positive effect on gradual memory loss associated with aging. However, more research needs to be done.

Past evidence pointed to omega-3 fatty acids reducing risk of heart attacks, strokes and death from heart disease. Experts usually recommend 1 gram (1,000 milligrams) of DHA and EPA combined from fish oil daily for those with heart disease. People with certain health conditions may take doses of up to 4 grams a day.

MEET THE WHOLE FAMILY OF OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

  1. ALA -  alpha-linolenic acid
  2. SDA -  stearadonic acid
  3. ETA(3) -  eicosatetraenoic acid
  4. ETA -  eicosatetraenoic acid
  5. EPA -  eicosapentaenoic acid
  6. HPA -  heneicosapentaenoic acid
  7. DPA -  docosapentaenoic acid
  8. DHA -  docosahexaenoic acid

The World Health organization (WHO), the centers for disease control and many other leading health authorities agree----- increasing the omega - 3 fatty acid content of the diet is a critical component in helping solve the chronic disease epidemic that the world is facing. Although many people are trying to increase their fish consumption, population survey show that we are still not consuming enough fish, in addition, many are concerned about the presence of contaminants such as mrecury, lead and PCB's in fish.

In conclusion, the best way you can get all the eight omega - 3 family is to supplement. The recommended supplement to take is Omega - 3 Salmon Oil Plus. It is the world's finest ultra high potency fish oil. Complete with standardised amounts of all eight omega - 3s, with guaranteed purity.

Omega-3 Salmon Oil Plus

Key Benefits

  • Is cardio protective, promotes youthful brain function, strong flexible joints, and healthy eyes.
  • It's the first supplement of its kind to assure a standardised amount of all eight members of the omega-3 family involved in human nutrition.
  • Based on pure, natural salmon oil with specifically selected nutrient molecules from Tuna, Sardines and Anchovies.
  • All sources are screened for more than 200 potential contaminants.

Details

BIOAVAILABLE: Readily absorbed and rapidly assimilated into cell membranes.*

CARDIO-PROTECTIVE*

  • Reduced triglycerides by 17%
  • Improved omega-3 index by 38%
  • Improved the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids by 43% in 8 weeks.

BALANCES INFLAMMATION*
Promotes healthy balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors. Lowered inflammatory index by 68% in just 8 weeks.

Usage

Take 3 capsules daily with meals.