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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