What is Omega-3?
Omega-3 is the term used by scientists to define one “family” of fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids are referred to as “essential fatty acids” because the body does not produce them. Instead, these essential fatty acids must be obtained from outside sources, either as food or through taking special supplements. Omega-3 is also referred to as a “good fat” for its health benefits, as opposed to the “bad fats” that create or aggravate health conditions through long-term consumption. It is important to note that there are two types of sources for essential fatty acids, which are also known as lipids. Essential fatty acids have a structure that is typically described as a “chain.” Long chain essential fatty acids have the advantage of being immediately available to the body. Short chain fatty acids must be converted to long-chain by the body before they can be utilized. OmegaPure is a direct source of these long chain essential fatty acids.
Omega-3 is a sub-group of essential fatty acids. Flax seed and some plants provide an omega-3 fat (ALA), but seafood, fish and fish oil provide the two most biologically functional omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA). Research shows that most Americans do not consume enough omega-3 and confirms that consuming adequate amounts of omega-3 from fish oil improves health and reduces risk of chronic conditions.
A. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found in fatty fish and some vegetables and nuts. EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) are found in fatty fish. Studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful in reducing blood cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. The majority of fat in tuna comes from Omega-3 fatty acids that are important in preventing heart disease. Omega-3s are also found in the brain and the eye and help with the development of these systems in infants and young children. Some research has also shown that these fatty acids may also have a role in reducing inflammation. Since our bodies cannot manufacture their own supply of Omega-3s, we have to get them from the food we eat. Tuna is one of the easiest ways for Americans to get Omega-3 fatty acids in their diets.
