What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (part of a family called EFAs or essential fatty acids along with Omega 6 and Omega 9 Fatty Acids) are made up of three different fatty acids. ALA or alpha linolenic acid, EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA or docosahexaenoic acid. The term “omega 3” describes the type of molecule. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to the body, but we can not manufacture them ourselves. We must get them from our diet or through supplementation. We should get a 1:1 ratio of Omega 3s to Omega 6s but commonly we get between a 1:10 to a 1:20 ratio.
They are poly-unsaturated fats, crucial for the health and well-being. Fish is the major source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered essential fatty acids, because they are essential for human health but cannot be produced by the body and they should be included in our diet. Omega-3 fatty acids regulate the blood cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as: heart attack or arteriosclerosis. They are also essential for some basic functions of our organism. Health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids: • Protection against cardiovascular diseases. • Control of the blood cholesterol and triglycerides level. • They help regulate the heartbeat. • They help to control arthritis, asthma and arterial diseases symptoms. • They are connected to a good brain health and child development. • They contribute to the development of the immune system.
