A Look at Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Heart Health

According to research data published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, individuals who include regular daily intake of Omega 3 can reduce the risk of heart attack (coronary thrombosis) by up to seventy percent. The favorable news has generated a lot of interest in Omega 3 late.

What is Omega 3?

Omega 3 is actually an unsaturated fatty acid where it passes through the limestar canal (digestive tract through the human body), breaks down existing cholesterol and deposits a very thin barrier to prevent its renewal. Omega 3 works to combat the major causes of cholesterol causing blood clotting. These blots then block blood vessels causing heart attacks or, if they reach the brain, strokes.

Omega 3 is usually associated with fish oil. The most famous sources are sausages, trout and salmon although oil can be extracted from white fish; and Cod's heart is also rich.

The American Heart Association recommends daily intake of 1000 mg. Omega-3s for measurable health benefits in cardiovascular care. There are many ways to include Omega 3 in your diet so you don't have to worry if you are not a big fish fan.

Omega-3 source

The most obvious method, eating fish regularly, is not practical for everyone, again - not everyone enjoys fish, some people are even allergic to it and, of course, vegetarians and vegans don't eat fish. Fortunately there are different types of supplements on the market for these people.

The most common form of supplement is a capsule formulated from concentrated oil obtained from fish with high levels of Omega 3. In general, tablets will contain about fifty percent of the source (fish) with the remainder comprising other sources of fatty acids.

Omega 3 fatty acids are not limited to fish oils - they are also found in some plant extracts as well. The best sources of Omega-3 are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which includes hemp oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil (canola), chia seeds, walnut and walnut oil, Mediterranean plants, purslane, leafy green vegetables. These items are widely found in health food stores and in the natural health market.

The good news about the health benefits of Omega 3 goes global

Omega 3 is also found in many other types of foods including vegetables and processed foods; However, levels are ignored and do not provide significant health benefits. Omega-3 Vegetarian supplements are available, usually as hemp oil (hemp seeds).

EPA and DHA Omega 3 are found almost exclusively in aquatic plants and animals. They are synthesized by phytoplankton, which are eaten by fish, mollusks and crustaceans and are thus concentrated in the aquatic food chain.

Alternative sources of Omega-3 ALA and Omega-3 EPA and DHA are being studied for viability. ALA from perilla is already in several countries and krill, a shrimp-like creature in the Antarctic Ocean, is being targeted by a Canadian company as a future Omega-3 source. Krill oil contains 25% Omega-3 EPA and DHA. Genetic modifications are also being explored, with an attempt to incorporate genes that will produce long chains of Omega-3 polyunsaturates into existing oilseed varieties. Another uses gene transfer technology to convert Omega-6 polyunsaturates directly to their Omega-3 counterparts.

As Omega-3's health reputation grows, food manufacturers are exploring opportunities to strengthen their daily diet with Omega-3. Omega-3 eggs are increasingly available; for example, bread enriched with 13mg Omega-3 DHA per piece is now available in New Zealand and Australia. Malaysia has crackers enriched with vitamins, minerals and Omega-3s and Omega-6 EFAs and enriched margarine also serves as a good accompaniment.

In Sweden, low-fat liver pate is enriched with Omega-3, iron and vitamins. Spaniards can buy fruit juices enriched with milk, fiber, vitamins and Omega-3s, and probiotic meal replacement bars, soups and milkshakes with Omega-3. Finns markets blackcurrant juice by adding Omega-6 and Omega-3 as ALA. This list is by no means comprehensive, especially as it does not include increased amounts of milk, foods and supplements with the addition of Omega-3 DHA.

As the benefits of regular Omega 3 intake become more accepted in North America, the food and pharmaceutical processing industry will, no doubt, put more effort and funding to make these various supplements more accessible. The benefits of Omega 3 will continue to grow as people age and find ways to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Currently, Omega 3 is easy to buy from specialized online pharmacies and pharmacies, but it won't be long before Americans will be able to choose the appropriate supplements from their local supermarket shelves and convenience stores.

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