What is Omega-3, EPA and DHA?
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the principle fatty acids found in fish. These two acids belong to the family known as Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) required by the human body to sustain life, and are only manufactured by the body to a limited extent, if at all. Why are they “essential” and so important? They are “essential” because they are needed by the human body in order for us to function optimally. But, these essential fatty acids are only manufactured by the human body to such a small extent that we need to obtain them from our diet on a daily basis. Without this constant supply of EFAs, the body’s systems would not have the ability to manufacture essential compounds like prostaglandins.
