EFA, the essential omega 3 fatty acids are a necessary part of any person’s diet. They are among the key elements of the cell building blocks and the human body requires these fats in order to produce energy and function normally. They protest the organism against a whole series of destructive elements, such as diseases, inflammation and other potential hazardous substances.
Studies have suggested that alcoholic persons or persons who are not alcoholic, but still drink high amounts of alcoholic drinks, have a low concentration of essential fatty acids in their bodies.
Scientists from the Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry & Biophysics at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism tried to discover if there is any connection between the high intake of alcohol and the levels of omega 3 fatty acids in the body.
If the body witnesses the lack of essential fatty acids for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to many problems, such as loss of development, infertility and also a series of physiological and biochemical abnormalities.
Scientists conducted a study on over 4,000 adults who have known alcohol problems and they monitored the fatty acid levels. The results showed that the amount of EFA drops as the consumption of alcohol increases and this pattern has been more accentuated in the men who took part in the survey. The changes medics found indicate that those who drink alcohol make food selections in such a way as to decrease foods with this important nutrient.
Scientists have previously seen that the amount of polyunsaturated fats in the blood flow is reduced during periods of alcohol abuse, but they did not know why. Now thanks to this study, they understand better the relation between essential fatty acid levels and alcohol consumption. Alcohol also has an effect on fatty acid metabolism, mainly through increasing fat break down.
Alcohol is a known substance for its strong, lasting, and deleterious effects on the brain. The brain requires omega 3 fatty acids to function properly and the brains of men consuming high levels of alcohol are further compromised by a low intake of fatty acids.
After consulting all the data, the scientists and medics conducting the survey advise people who drink high amounts of alcohol, more than one drink per day, to be sure they obtain the necessary amounts of omega 3 from diet. They recommend that these persons eat more fish, as fatty fish are the richest natural sources for omega 3 essential fats.
Micheal Thomas is an editor for a series of health related websites. Learn about the best fish oil capsules that we ourselves use daily after extensive product comparisons and research over at http://www.omega-3-fish-benefits.com
