Omega 3 oils are essential oils that are important for the proper functioning of our body, especially our heart and brain. This is in fact an essential fatty acid that should be present in our body. Or else we may die.
This essential fatty acid is good for the body because they are polyunsaturated and not trans-fatty acids, which are bad in high amounts in the body. But there are also two kinds of essential fatty acid and that is the omega-6 fatty acids and the omega-3 fatty acids. The two acts differently from each other.
Omega-6 promotes inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. While the omega-3 acts oppositely from omega-6. With the bad effects that omega-6 can brought to our system, it is quite obvious that an excess of this type of fatty acid can be hazardous to our health.
Thus to balance the amount of omega-6 and 3 in the body, people consume omega 3 oils. An imbalance of this two type of fatty acid is believe to be a major cause for the high incidence of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, premature aging, and even cancer.
EPA and DHA are important in our body as high amounts of this form of fatty acid can reduce the incidence of heart disease and arthritis. Studies have even showed that EPA and DHA in large quantities can even prevent atherosclerosis, heart attack, depression, and even cancer. Taking omega 3 oils have been shown to be an effective treatment of disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ulcerative colitis and Raynaud’s disease.
But due to a low fatty fish diet, especially in Western countries, has led to deficiency to this important essential fatty acid. Thus, the US National Institutes of Health is recommending that people should have a daily intake of about 650 mg of EPA and DHA or a 2.22 g a day of alpha-linoleic acid and 4.44 g a day of linoleic acid.
People should definitely start recognizing the importance of omega 3 oils as they can help in the functioning of the brain. It was found that a low level of DHA in the brain can lead to low brain serotonin levels which can increase the incidence of depression, suicide and even violence. It has also been found that intake of this essential oil can lower incidence of age related memory loss and cognitive function impairment and even lead to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
DHA and EPA are also important for pregnant and lactating women. Studies have shown that babies need DHA and EPA from the mother as during this time they are still unable to synthesize these fatty acids. These are important fatty acids that comprise 15 to 20% of the babies cerebral cortex and 30 to 60% of the retina. Thus, omega 3 oils are essential for the normal development of the fetus and the baby. With the benefits people obtain from omega 3 oils, they should definitely start including it in their daily diet.
Esther is an advocate for living a healthy lifestyle including taking Omega 3 fish oil supplements. For more information on fish oil health please visit her site today.
By Esther Bell
