Omega-3s: Essential for good health
by Eric Robert Santiago on 05/24/13
Omega-3s: Essential for good health
Are omega-3s part of your daily nutritional plan? Most of us were taught
growing up that vitamins and minerals are important, but our education
on other nutrients that benefit health may be lacking. Omega-3s are
essential fatty acids (EFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), that are prevalent in the body but aren't
manufactured in the body. EFAs make up a large percentage of some of our
most vital organs and influence every cell: structure and repair, gene
expression, and cell signaling and responses. So their presence (or
absence) impacts multiple aspects of physical and emotional health. But
Western diets are typically lacking in foods rich in omega-3s, which
also can't be found in a typical multivitamin/mineral.
Omega-3s may be the key for healthy aging. Scientific evidence strongly
supports EPA/DHA intake for maintaining heart health and reducing risk
of serious cardiac events. EPA and DHA also contain anti-inflammatory
agents and are suggested as adjunctive therapies for autoimmune
disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (to reduce
inflammation-associated digestive complaints) and rheumatoid arthritis
(to relieve joint stiffness/tenderness). These omega-3s have also
demonstrated benefits in helping reduce age-related macular degeneration
and dementia to promote healthy aging. And preliminary studies have
shown promise in supporting a positive mood. Depending on your health
goals, concentrated doses of EPA and/or DHA may be recommended.
Get trustworthy omega-3 support. While food is always the preferred
source for nutrients of any kind, it would be difficult to obtain
therapeutic levels from food alone. Plus, there are warnings for certain
populations to limit consumption of omega-3-rich fish that may carry a
higher risk of heavy metal contamination. Likewise, omega-3 supplements
can become rancid and carry risks of heavy metals, pesticides, and other
contaminants. And some may have an excessively fishy smell or taste.
So it's important to select an omega-3 supplement made from
purity-tested marine oils that are manufactured to exacting standards,
in addition to offering an appropriate dose of the right combination of
omega-3s to meet your specific needs.
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