What are Omega 3
Fatty Acids?
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that have a long chain
of carbon atoms and are very poly-unsaturated. They are
called essential because they are vital to body
development and maintenance. They consist of these basic
elements: DHA, EPA and LNA. They were first discovered by
Drs. Burr and Burr in 1930. They attracted major
scientific interest when two Danish scientists studied
Greenland Eskimos and found them practically free of
heart disease and cancer. The Eskimos consumed huge
amounts of fat contained in seals and fish. The Danes
found that is was EPA and DHA, two elements of the
Omegas, that kept the Eskimos relatively free of heart
disease.
What can omega 3 fatty acids do for you?
Over 2,000 studies have been done on Omega 3 and their
effect on human and animal health. It is now established
that sufficient amounts of Omega 3 can:
1. Lower blood pressure.
2. Reduce the clotting of blood platelets and so reduce
thrombosis.
3. Reduce abnormal heart beating (arrhythmia)
These beneficial fats are in the oil naturally found in
fish. The omega 3 fats, EPA and DHA, play different but equally vital roles in human health.
How do omega 3 work?
EPA - helps make the platelets in blood less sticky which
in turn could help prevent the build-up of plaque
otherwise leading to a heart attack or stroke.
DHA - may help stabilize heart rhythm; potentially
important for people recovering from heart attacks. May
help regulate cell membrane functions involved in
transmitting signals among brain cells.
What are the potential benefits of omega 3?
Heart Disease control
In Chicago's Western Electric Study (over 2,000 men) the
risk of death from heart attack was 50%
less half among people who were using omega 3. Other
recent research suggests that just one serving a week of
omega 3 fatty acids could cut the chance of cardiac
arrest by 50% in folks with weakened hearts.
Rheumatoid arthritis relief
Patients taking omega 3 supplements will report less joint
pain, and less morning stiffness from their Rheumatoid arthritis.
Healthy brain function
These omega fatty acids may be helpful in mood and brain
disturbances. For example, recent research at Purdue
University showed that boys with attention
deficit disorder who had lower levels of omega 3
fats in their brains had more behavior problems. Studies
are underway to see if omega 3 supplements can improve the boys' behavior. It clearly seems to work for some.
Colitis fighter
Bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
lead to pain, weight loss, and tremendous suffering.
Washington University researchers in St. Louis saw
dramatic improvement with omega 3 fatty acid supplements,
including weight gain, less inflammation,
and less need for medications such as prednisone.
Blood triglyceride control
Omega 3 supplements may be helpful in lowering blood
triglyceride levels in patients with high blood levels.
Cancer fighter
Omega 3 and omega 4 fatty acids suppress tumor
growth in animals. Japanese women have only a third as much breast cancer as American women.
Heavy use of foods such as fish and soy in the Japanese
diet may be responsible. A recent study of 25 women showed that omega
3 fatty acid supplements could change the ratio of fats
in breast tissue.
Precautions?
Large doses of fish oil could result in rare strokes or
other bleeding disorders. This is a concern for anyone
taking other blood thinning agents such as coumarin or
aspirin. Consult with your physician or pharmacist if
you're taking fish oil supplements in addition to other
drugs.
How much omega 3 fatty acids?
Americans on average now get 700-1,400 milligrams of
omega 3 weekly. The estimate for therapeutic benefits is
3,500 milligrams weekly. There is no official
recommendation for omega 3. The estimate is based on
amount needed, for example, to lower triglycerides.
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