February 2012
| Omega 3 |
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As a rule, headlines promoting the value of the Omega-3 fatty acids are generated by new studies in high-profile disease areas such as heart and cancer. The focus on these news items risks losing sight of what is arguably the more important message - the typical Western diet is deficient in nutrients that are essential to optimum health in mind and in body. Because the Omega-3s are needed by every cell in the body it follows that an insufficiency will have some effect on every part of the body, including the brain.
The most important 2 fatty acids in the Omega 3 family are EPA and DHA as these are in limited supply and only found in any real quantities in oily fish and fish oil supplements. Although DHA is important for pregnant and nursing mothers and for young children for healthy development of the brain and vision, EPA can be considered the most important for everyone else as it is necessary for the efficient functioning of the brain and the body at a cellular level. The Omega 3's have anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties as well as many other important health benefits. They reduce inflammation and can provide protection against cardiovascular disease, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood-related disorders. Low Omega-3 levels are associated with the following and so these, and many other conditions, may be improved by taking omega 3 EFA’s:
Omega 3 EFA’s improve cardiac risk factors, and help prevent CHD. They normalize lipid levels, lower blood pressure and improve glucose metabolism. They are necessary for growth and development, especially in the development of nervous tissue, and may improve cognitive function and emotional health. |