Omega 3 Oils
Omega 3 oils have been called 'miracle oils' by many who claim that the essential fatty acid, omega 3, can cure everything from dry skin to depression, from heart disease to dry eye syndrome.
Although some proponents go too far in claiming omega 3 is a panacea, the benefits of omega 3 oil are borne out by over two decades of research into diabetes, coronary disease, arterial sclerosis, macular degenerative eye disease, depression, ADHD, pregnancy and nutrition--and more.
With few exceptions, increasing the intake of omega 3 oil in the diet has shown to decrease or help prevent some of the effects of many of the most prevalent disorders and diseases facing us today.
Among the medical conditions in which a deficiency of omega 3 has been implicated are:
preeclampsia
In many of these cases the research is preliminary, but the results seem sound.
How can one substance affect so many different things that go wrong with the body? The answer lies in the role of omega 3 in the body. Omega 3 OilOmega 3 oils in the diet are used by the body to build and repair cells --all type of cells. A great deal of the research has focused on the brain, which is made up of about 60% fat.
The body relies on an adequate supply of omega 3 to build new neural pathways and create the structure of brain cells. When the diet is deficient in omega 3 oil, the body will substitute omega 6, another essential fatty acid found in whole grain products.
The cells built with omega 6 differ from those built with omega 3 substantially. The shape is different, the walls are weaker, and they transmit electrical impulses differently.
It's not enough to just add omega 3 to your diet, though. Scientists have discovered that the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 in the body is of vital importance.
Researcher vary widely on the optimal ratio between omega 3 oil and omega 6 sources, but agree on one thing: the American diet is extremely out of balance.
Some experts believe the ratio should be 1:1. Whatever the exact optimal ratio is, more and more highly respected medical researchers are looking at the current imbalance of Omega 3 to 6 as a major reason for the rising incidence of chronic diseases and disorders in the modern world.
Good sources of omega 3 oils are cold water fish: mackerel, tuna, salmon, herring or anchovies at least three times a week.
Unfortunately, eating fish in that amount can increase the levels of toxic chemicals that you consume due to the polluted Ocean waters, which is why the FDA recommends a limited consumption of fish.
Additionally, farm raised fish isn't healthy either because the fish are fed a diet of grain, which contains omega 6 fatty acids. In the wild, fish get their nutrition from algae and seaweed, which are high in omega 3 fatty acid, leading to a high content of omega 3 in their bodies.
Egg yolks also contain omega 3, but only in eggs produced by free range chickens. Similar to fish, chickens raised on a diet of grain don't produce omega 3, since they have no source of it.
Vegetable omega 3 oils include flaxseed oil and walnut oil, but the omega 3 in vegetable oils is slightly different than that in fish omega 3 oil.
It exists as a substance called ALA, which the body then has to convert to the two crucial health giving substances known as EPA and DHA.
In unhealthy individuals, particularly the elderly, this conversion takes place very inefficiently, which is why fish oils are the best source of Omega 3 because they contain DHA and EPA directly.
So, how do you get the benefits of omega oils without the toxins you'd get from fish?
The answer is to use a product has meets two criteria:
Because of this, we here at Nutritional Supplement Info personally use the Omega 3 fish oils made by Xtend Life Natural Products, which are the best ones we have ever found.
Lastly, you should always consult your doctor before supplementation of any kind.
Medical professionals caution that omega 3 oil can thin the blood, so anyone who bruises easily, has a bleeding disorder or takes blood-thinning medication should take caution in increasing their intake of omega 3 oils.
Pregnant or nursing women should always speak to their doctor before adding any kind of supplements.
|