What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids? Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (18-22 carbon atoms in chain length) with the first of many double bonds beginning with the third carbon atom (when counting from the methyl end of the fatty acid molecule). Read on for more details on flax seed benefits. Omega-3 From Fish Oil The fish-based and fish-oil-based omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (also referred to as n-3 PUFA) consist of EPA (20 carbon atoms, 5 double bonds) and DHA (22 carbon atoms, 6 double bonds). Ok, this may seem a bit technical, however, it is undisputed that omega-3 oil is essential to our health and well being. Is Fat Bad or Good? Let me first address the issue of fat. Fat seems to receive a lot of reprimand but the fact is we all need fat; fat helps nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, maintaining cell membrane integrity etc. However, when consumed in excess amount, fat contributes to weight gain, heart disease and certain types of cancer. But saturated and trans fatty acids are more responsible to the statement above; while other polyunsaturated fats such as omega 3 fatty acids seem to offer a protective effect. Increasing Your Overall Health You want to increase your overall health and energy level. You want to prevent heart disease, cancer, depression and Alzheimer's. Perhaps you also want to treat rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, Raynaud's disease and a host of other diseases. One of the most important things you can do for all of these is increase your intake of the omega-3 fats found in fish oil and cod liver oil, and reduce your intake of omega-6 fats. Taking Flax Seed oil does restore this balance. Where to Get Omeaga 3 and Omega 6 Oil? Whereas plant foods and vegetable oils lack EPA and DHA, some do contain varying amounts of the n-3 PUFA alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which has 18 carbon atoms and 3 double bonds. Many vegetable oils are greatly enriched in omega-6 fatty acids (mainly as linoleic acid in corn, safflower, sunflower and soybean oils), but canola oil (nonhydrogenated), ground flaxseed and walnuts are rich sources of ALA. Randomized clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce cardiovascular events (death, non-fatal heart attacks, non-fatal strokes). They can also slow the progression of atherosclerosis in coronary patients. However, more studies are needed to confirm and further define the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for preventing a first or subsequent cardiovascular event. Omega-3 Improves Cardiovascular Health In terms of cardiovascular benefits, a number of studies show that fish consumption and fish and [alpha]-linolenic acid (ALA) supplementation reduces all-cause mortality and various cardiovascular outcomes, although the evidence is strongest for fish and fish oil. The effects on specific outcomes (especially myocardial infarction [MI] and stroke) are uncertain, and the optimal quantity and type of omega-3 fatty acid, and the optimal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid remain unknown. With the undisputed benefits of Omega-3 Oil, we do urge you to find out more about Omega-3 and where you can get it. Many researches has confirmed that the best source of Omega-3 oil is from Flax Seeds. That is right, Flax Seed Oil contains balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6!
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