Omega 3 Fatty Acids & Your Health
Sponsored by Carlson
Some fats are bad for you, but not omega-3s. These essential fatty acids keep cholesterol levels low, decrease blood pressure, protect against cardiovascular disease, and act as natural blood thinners. Omega-3s are also helpful in preventing or treating arthritis, diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, skin disorders such as psoriasis, eye diseases such as macular degeneration, and menstrual pain. The omega-3 family includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Because the body does not manufacture these healthful polyunsaturated oils, it's important to obtain them from a well-balanced diet or supplement.
Your omega-3 questions answered
Do you know your omega-3 index? New research suggests that this number—a measurement of the body’s levels of the most heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids—may be an important predictor of both heart disease and sudden cardiac death. Unfortunately, not enough people know their omega-3 index to make use of it. Read more about omega-3 intake and heart health. |
When it comes to promoting a healthy mood, getting the right ratio of omegas is critical. Omega-3 essential fatty acids make up the scaffolding of the brain. If you get plenty of omega-3s, you end up with a well-oiled machine, but most of us get too many omega-6 fatty acids (found in corn, sun-flower, safflower, and peanut oils) instead. The result: rigid brain-cell membranes and poor cell communication. Learn more. |
Omega-3s and prenatal and postnatal nutritionResearch shows that the omega-3 DHA is vital to brain and eye development during pregnancy. Fetuses and infants are unable to convert ALA to DHA, so it's important babies get it directly from their mothers. Learn more here. |
Omega-3s for kidsMost American kids' diets aren't high enough in omega-3s. In addition to boosting brain function and sharpening vision, omega-3 fatty acids also may improve behavior in kids with ADHD and decrease the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, according to two recent studies in Nutrition Journal and the Journal of the American Medical Association. “Omega-3s are head-to-toe nutrients,” says Dr. Sears. “Children who get enough of them will be smarter and have healthier hearts, brains, skin, and joints.” Learn more here. |
Free Downloads: Additional Resources
Click and download these additional resources on various topics relating to Omega 3 from Health e Times magazine.
Balancing Inflammation
Every Heart Beats Stronger With Fish Oils
Give Your Child a Healthy Edge: The Benefits of Cod Liver Oil
The Facts on Fat
