Health Benefits of Omega 3

Omega 3 fatty acids first caught researchers’ attention about 25 years ago – and what they discovered could have health benefits for anyone worried about a healthy heart. In the early 1980s, studies showed that the Inuit had low rates of heart disease despite their high-fat diet rich in fish. It turns out the omega 3 fatty acids in the fish may be what protects their hearts, along with other health benefits.

Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Heart Disease and Cholesterol

Omega 3 fatty acids are poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Studies show that a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids may help lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Omega 3 fatty acids may also act as an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting. Several other studies also suggest that these fatty acids may help lower high blood pressure.

Potential Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Alzheimer’s

Omega 3 fatty acids may protect against the accumulation in the body of a protein believed to be linked to Alzheimer’s disease, according to the results of a new animal study published in the March 2005 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience. This study specifically investigated one particular kind of omega 3 fatty acids – Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and the results are encouraging.

Omega 3: Fish or Plant?

With the increasing popularity of vegetarian diets and mounting fears about mercury and PCBs in seafood, people often ask about using flax oil (which contains alpha-linolenic acids – or ALA) instead of fish oil.

Our bodies can convert ALA into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – the beneficial elements of omega 3 – but the conversion process is slow. In addition, a high concentration of ALA (as present in flax oil pills) has been linked to higher risk of prostate cancer by some early research. Until more is known, men may be safest to choose fish oil for heart-healthy omega 3s instead of concentrated ALA.

Which Omega 3 Supplements to Take?

If you’ve ever headed to a drugstore to look for omega 3 supplements, you will know why most people are confused at the aisle. There are fish oil, krill oil, algal oil, liver oil, and flax oil that marketed as omega 3 supplements. To make it even more complicated, there are omega 3 supplements bundled with omega 6 and 9! Check out our detailed review on these omega 3 supplement options.

Caution:

Cod liver oil is not a good source of omega 3. It may cause toxicity in excess amount due to its high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Also, men are best to avoid flax oil pills until more is known about flax’s potential link with prostate cancer.

Omega 3 in Food

• All fish contain omega 3 fatty acids, but they are more concentrated in fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines and herring. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least 2 times a week.
• Many commercial food products, such as bread and baked goods, yogurt and infant formula are now fortified with omega 3 fatty acids.
• Other food sources of omega 3s include:
  • Soybeans and tofu
  • Some nuts and seeds like walnuts, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds
  • Cooking oils such as flax seed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil
  • Some eggs, such as omega-3 enhanced eggs

Gloria Tsang, RD

Alumni: University of British Columbia – Gloria Tsang is the author of 6 books and the founder of HealthCastle.com, the largest online nutrition network run by registered dietitians. Her work has appeared in major national publications, and she is a regularly featured nutrition expert for media outlets across the country. The Huffington Post named her one of its Top 20 Nutrition Experts on Twitter. Gloria’s articles have appeared on various media such as Reuters, NBC & ABC affiliates, The Chicago Sun-Times, Reader’s Digest Canada, iVillage and USA Today.