Omega-3 Fatty Acid Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids as they are necessary for human health, but our bodies can't make them.  You have to get them through foods such as fish, (primarily fatty fish like Salmon, Mackerel, Lake Trout, Herring, Sardines, and Albacore Tuna), some fruits and veggies, and nuts and nut oils like walnuts, and flax seed.  Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development.  Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for brain memory, brain performance, and behavioral function.

The American Heart Association has research that proves getting enough omega-3 fatty acids has shown to reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.  One of the best ways to help prevent heart disease is to eat a diet low in saturated fat and to eat foods that are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids). Clinical evidence suggests that omega-3's help reduce risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Fish oil has been shown to lower levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood), and to lower risk of death, heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms in people who have already had a heart attack. Fish oil also appears to help prevent and treat atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by slowing the development of plaque and blood clots, which can clog arteries. Studies show eating at least 2 servings of fish per week can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 50%.  (1)

Do some research on omega-3 fatty acids and look at incorporating them into your diet.  Make sure if you are getting your omega-3's in supplement form rather than food form, be sure to buy omega-3 fatty acid supplements made by established companies who certify that their products are free of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium.

For more information check out these links at:
Web MD - http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/good-fat-bad-fat-facts-about-omega-3
and at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-3_fatty_acid


1. References: http://www.umm.edu/