Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids are Vital to our Health
by Ryan
Joseph
zone3
The long chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, found in the greatest
abundance in fish and fish oil but also in some other foods as well, play
a key role as components of cellular membranes. During the regular aging
process, cell membranes become much more rigid. This can adversely effect
the function of tissues throughout the body, including the brain. Perhaps
the top asset to the brain of them all is DHA, the principal
polyunsaturated fat in the central nervous system. DHA is appears to have
a very direct effect on brain chemistry, development and functioning. DHA
is essential for both kids and adults, but DHA is as vital to a kid's diet
as sitcoms are to prime time television. The top source of omega-3 fatty
acids of them all is cold-water fish and fish oils, but omega-3 fatty
acids can also be found in varying quantities in other foods such as
certain vegetable oils walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts,
flaxseed and also eggs.
The bottom line is, Omega-3 fatty acids appear to protect the brain,
which is why many physicians recommend taking an omega-3 supplement,
usually fish oil because of it's high concentration of readily absorbed
dha and epa (flax and other sources have to be converted in the body
instead of being directly assimilated). Even our President and Governer
Shwarzenagger take omega-3 supplements. There have been a considerable
amount of clinical research studies conducted related to the benefits of
omega-3 dietary supplements (especially fish oil) in certain inflammatory
and autoimmune diseases in people, including but not limited to arthritis,
ulcerative colitis, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and heart
disease. This research goes back to 1970's Greenland and beyond. Some if
not most of the placebo trials of fish oil in inflammatory conditions show
substantial benefits such as for
example a lessened disease activity and a lower overall requirement of
various anti-inflammatory drugs.
Because omega-3 fatty acids are a very key component of development
during the entire course of a person's life cycle, they should be included
in the diets of each individual. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are not
interconvertible in the body and are therefore vital components of almost
all cell membranes. Cellular proteins are genetically determined, however
the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of cell membranes is to
a large degree dependent on dietary consumption.
To learn more about Omega-3's visit Fish Oil Research and look at some of the studies
there.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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