Omega 3
While most of us have heard that Omega 3 fatty acids are good for us, do we know why?
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are essential nutrients, which we cannot make or store. Since their discovery in the 1970s, Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) have generated thousands of studies and clinical trials. Essential to life and good health, they protect against disease and can treat numerous health conditions.
The two Omega-3 EFAs critical for wellness and disease prevention in humans are EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid). The third Omega-3 EFA, ALA (alphalinolenic acid), found in flax, (flaxseed oil) nuts, seeds and dark leafy vegetables is poorly converted (<1-2%) to EPA and DHA and therefore does not significantly affect the Omega 3:6 balance in the way that EPA and DHA can. The best and richest sources of the Omega-3 EFAs are oily fish and fish oil supplements. They supply the preferred Omega-3 EPA and DHA that the body can most readily use.