The omega-3 rage continues! Today, more Americans are eager to gain the promising health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, recent polls show that omega-3 supplements are now the first supplement choice of most Americans, with multivitamins in second place.
The benefit of taking omega-3 supplements are numerous and are supported by a large body of scientific research. Several prominent organizations like the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization have affirmed these benefits, especially for promoting heart health. What about you? Are you wondering how omega-3 supplements can help you?
Omega-3 fatty acids were made popular after two major people group studies observed the dietary patterns of the Greenland Inuit tribe and those who followed a Mediterranean diet. Both people groups showed robust heart health, in spite of a diet rich in fats. Scientists discovered that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids with a relatively less intake of omega 6 fatty acids can contribute to a healthy heart.
The Omega-3-Omega-6 Balance
Omega-3 and omega-6 are essential fatty acids that cannot be manufactured by the body. As such, we must obtain these essential nutrients through dietary sources. Both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids have an opposing effect in bodily functions. Omega-6 fatty acids produce hormones in the body that are known to support inflammation (garnering an immune response), the clotting of blood, cellular proliferation. Omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, produce hormones that regulate these same functions in the opposite direction. The body requires a balance of hormones for optimal health.
We get enough of omega6 fatty acids through numerous foods in our diet like seeds, nuts, and refined vegetable oils. Oils that contain omega-6 fatty acids are used to manufacture processed foods. In fact, soybean oil, prevalent in fast foods, may contribute to 20 percent of the calories in a typical American diet. Over the years our dependency on fast and processed foods have increased leading to a high intake of omega-6 fatty acids and not enough of omega-3 fatty acids. The average American diet contains about 14 to 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3. This imbalance in the essential fatty acids is believed to lead to many major ailments prevalent today. Experts advise getting a higher dose of omega 3 fatty acids while limiting your intake of omega 6 fatty acids.
Benefits of Omega-3 Supplements
The general consensus from scientific research agrees that everyone should get more omega-3 fatty acids in their diets. We, therefore, need to up our intake of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are abundantly present in fish like salmon, tuna, halibut and mackerel. Since these fish also contain impurities and contaminants like lead, mercury and other PCBs, consumption should be limited to just twice a week. Pregnant and lactating mothers are advised not to eat certain fresh fish because of impurities present in them. An excellent option to fresh fish consumption is high-quality pharmaceutical grade omega-3 supplements.
Research shows omega-3 supplements may benefit health in numerous ways:
Supports heart health. Omega 3 fatty acids help to promote healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They support cardiovascular and arterial health.
Supports the regulation of normal blood pressure. Studies show that omega 3 fatty acids help to regulate normal blood pressure, especially in people with high anxiety levels.
Supports the regulation of normal blood sugar. A few studies show that omega 3 supplements may be used as a proactive nutritional measure to support normal Glycemic levels.
Supports joint health. Since omega 3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect, many people have found great relief from joint discomfort by taking omega-3 supplements.
Supports the regulation of mood swings. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to regulate normal moods and studies show that they may be of immense benefits as a mood-enhancer and play a role in boosting mental wellbeing.
Supports memory and cognitive skills. Several studies show omega 3 fatty acids support brain power, boost memory and cognitive skills.
Supports healthy skin, eyes and hair. Omega 3 supplements help to promote healthy skin, eyes, and hair.
A lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet ay may lead to tiredness, forgetfulness, dry skin, heart ailments, poor circulation, or mood swings.
High-Quality Omega-3 Supplements
Omega-3 supplements are available in gelatin capsules, a convenient delivery form. Omega-3 supplements, like Triple Strength Omega 3, are enteric-coated. The enteric-coating technology helps to avoid fishy after-burps often associated with regular omega-3 supplements since digestion takes place further down in the digestive tract. Pharmaceutical-grade fish oil ensures high purity levels and a high concentration of EPA and DHA, the two most famous omega 3 fatty acids. Look for high-quality omega-3 supplements to maximize the health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids to your health!
What Can Omega-3 Do For Me?
