What are EPA and DHA? What is a good balance for me?
EPA and DHA are omega 3 fatty acids. They are the good fats and block the actions of the bad fats or omega 6 fats. Omega 6 fats are chemicals that are acted on by enzymes in our bodies to make inflammatory mediators. It is important to know that not all omega 3 fatty acids are useful to our health. ALA, an omega 3 fat, found in flax seed oil is an omega 3 fatty acid, but there is no convincing clinical data in support of ALA improving our cardiovascular or inflammatory index. For ALA to work, it must first be converted to EPA. Our bodies convert ALA to EPA at a very low and erratic rate. EPAs beneficial actions are considered to mainly involve peripheral (non brain actions). DHA is considered to be brain active. The best ratio is the natural ratio found in fish. This ratio is approximately 1; 1; EPA to DHA. Our oils are 1.08:1.0 EPA/DHA. What is important is the dose strength of this synergistic combination. Keep it all natural and take a high dose.
