OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS– MEGA BENEFITS

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential
fatty acids which your body cannot manufacture, but are essential for many body
functions. Like Vitamin C, it needs to be taken through food and supplements.
Omega-6 and Omega-3 are the essential fatty acids. The ratio of Omega-6 : Omega-3 ideally should be 4:1 or
2:1, but the ‘modern’ diet gives a ratio of around 20:1. The inflammatory
response is more than the anti-inflammatory response thereby causing problems
due to omega 3 deficiency.

TYPES

Alpha-Linolenic acid is
vegetarian based Omega-3 which needs to get converted into its active form –
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish directly gives
you EPA and DHA. Alpha-Linolenic acid is converted to EPA and DHA in the
presence of magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, niacin, and vitamin C. Deficiency of
these constituents will not give you enough Omega-3, since it will not be
converted to its active form effectively, even if you are eating enough of the
vegetarian source.

SOURCE

The food sources are fish,
walnuts, flax seeds, almonds, olive oil, soya bean, oregano, mustard seeds,
spinach, spirulina, wheatgrass.

BENEFITS

Omega-3 fatty acids have a host
of benefits, some of which are mentioned below:

Bone loss is prevented by omega 3
fats and exercise.

Good for heart health,
maintaining cholesterol and blood pressure levels, raising HDL levels.

Good for the skin since it
prevents dryness (water intake is important too), acts as an anti-inflammatory,
helps in cell repair.

Good for the brain. Improves
symptoms of ADHD, Alzheimer, post-stroke. Improves learning, concentration, and
memory.

Helps in weight loss by improving
metabolism and improving insulin function.

Good for the joints. Good for
arthritis. Reduces pain and inflammation.

Good for eyes. Good for dry eyes,
general ocular health. Helps in preventing and treating macular degeneration.

Good for respiratory system in
conditions like asthma, COPD, allergic bronchitis, etc. Main action is again
due to the natural anti-inflammatory effect.

IN A NUTSHELL

Omega-3 plays a role in the
prevention and management of:

Asthma, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart
Disease, Depression, High Blood Pressure, Migraine, Obesity, Osteoporosis,
Osteoarthritis, Psoriasis, Eczema, Rheumatoid Arthritis and many more.

AVAILABILITY

Fish oil, Flax seed oil,
Spirulina is available in the form of capsules. Spirulina is also available as
powder. Wheatgrass is available in powder, juice, and tablet form. Other
ingredients can be consumed directly.

The article discussed herein has not been evaluated
by the FDA. The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or
prevent any disease. Each individual is different and will react differently to
various vitamins, minerals and food supplements as per his/her body
requirements. This information is not meant to replace any physician’s
consultation. This information should in no way replace your family physician’s
advice.