What Can Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Do For You?
Omega 3 fatty acids have received a great deal of attention over the past few years, with claims ranging from curing arthritis to curing heart disease. I'll help you separate the fact from the hype.
The Facts
Oils that contain omega 3 fatty acids are lipids that are found primarily in coldwater fish, including krill, which has been the omega-3 darling recently. However, here's an important update about krill: The NOAA just banned krill harvesting in the Pacific ocean. Their concern is that overharvesting of the krill is endangering the food supply for many marine mammals, including whales. You can learn more
here.
We've discovered another choice for omega-3s that seems to be a truly sustainable source. The research has also shown it to be a potent source of bioavailable omega-3s. What is this source? Believe it or not, these fatty acids are found in a unique form in a particular type of mussel, the green-lipped mussel native to New Zealand. These oils are rich sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 type. The two most studied fatty acids found in fish oils are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Many studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids to have triglyceride-lowering activity and as well as anti-inflammatory actions. The omega-3s have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease in certain patients. In these studies, the anti-inflammatory activity of EPA and DHA was shown to exert their effects through one primary mechanism: EPA and DHA inhibit the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins that create inflammation. So, without the production these prostaglandins, inflammation is lessened or eliminated. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids support healthy moods and healthy neurological development in children. The omega 3s are truly one of nature's most powerful, all-around supplements. If you only have money to afford a few supplements, this should be on your list. A high quality omega-3 supplement will free your body from one of the greatest creators of disease: inflammation.
Here's the problem with getting your Omega 3s from fish oil.
The biggest problem with fish oils is that so many fish are now contaminated with heavy metals and PCBs. Even if you purchase a product that claims that all contaminants have been removed, I feel that is still too much of a risk to take--especially when a better option exists.Then, there is the problem of krill oil, the new favorite omega 3 supplement now recommended by many healthcare practitioners. The krill are whales' primary food, and it doesn't seem like we can harvest krill to supply the world's huge demand for omega-3 supplements WITHOUT negatively impacting the whales' food source. Whales have a difficult enough time surviving with the other challenges we've given them. (And, based on the update announced earlier on this page, the NOAA agrees.)
Potential Interactions with Other Drugs
It is important to note that interactions may occur between omega-3 supplements and aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although rare, such interactions might create increased susceptibility to bruising, nosebleeds, and blood in the stool.If you are currently taking an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription NSAID, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider, as he or she may elect to discontinue your prescription while you try the omega 3 supplements. Given the many, many dangers of OTC and prescription NSAIDs, you owe it to your body (and your wallet) to try mother nature's prescription instead.
Would you like to learn about how omega-3s can impact your weight loss efforts?
Click here.
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