Omega-3's... What are they and why are they good for you?
2/4/2016

February is Heart Health Month!
Should I take an Omega-3 supplement for my heart or should I just eat more fish? What if I am vegetarian or vegan? And what are the other benefits of Omega-3’s? No doubt by now you’ve heard a lot about Omega-3’s. You may have wondered—should I take a supplement? If so, does it really matter which brand I choose? Or should I just incorporate more Omega-3’s into my diet? What exactly do they do? What if I’m vegetarian or vegan and don’t want to eat fish or take a fish oil supplement? Well, wonder no more! Here’s an all-inclusive look at how Omega-3’s function in the body and what diseases they may help you to stave off, as well as information about increasing your Omega-3 intake whether you are vegetarian/vegan or not. Omega-3 fatty acids regulate cellular processes as well as producing and balancing hormones. Hormones are critical to the proper functioning of all the body’s systems. Think of them as messengers who tell the body and the brain what to do as far as metabolizing food, sleeping, mood, reproduction, and so on. Omega-3’s also increase cell membrane permeability for better nutrient absorption into the cells and they also help keep toxins out of your cells for better cell health and longevity. Healthy fats are also important in helping the body absorb fat soluble vitamins A, D, and E, and K (from food or from supplements). Your body does not produce Omega-3’s, they come only from your diet or from supplements. There are two Omega 3’s, known as EPA and DHA. In addition to their role in hormone production and cell permeability, Omega-3’s are also anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is the source of almost all disease including heart disease so increasing your Omega-3 intake is a great way to lower your risk of heart and other diseases. The potential heart health benefits of Omega 3’s:- Helps with lowering blood pressure
- Helps with lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol
- Helps with keeping the heart beating regularly
- Helps reduce the risk of a heart attack
- Helps reduce the risk of stroke by thinning the blood
- Can help with balancing blood sugar which helps curb sugar and carb cravings thereby lowering the risk of diabetes and obesity
- Supports myelin sheath strength (the fatty acid layer that covers nerve fibers in the brain)--this helps with brain synapse function for better mental focus and brain health
- Can help with memory and with reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease which is again related to inflammation
- Can help with ADD, ADHD, and dyslexia
- Can help maintain a positive mood
- Can help with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder-- for mood disorders, you should take a high EPA fish oil supplement
- DHA supplementation was shown in one study to reduce stress and aggression
- Can help with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis-- for arthritis, it is best to take an Omega 3-6-9 combination supplement
- Can help with gastro intestinal issues such as constipation, IBS, colitis, and Crohn’s disease—for GI problems, it is best to take an Omega 3-6-9 supplement