Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats are some nutritional staples that will always get an A plus from most everyone. Praised for heart health, brain function, even mental wellness, Omega-3s are a type of fat your body cannot produce alone; that is why it is pretty crucial to find them in the diet or supplement forms.
So, what are these omega-3s? Why do they find their way towards the being beneficial for you? And the best sources where? OK let’s break it down bit by bit.
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What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat in which the human body just about uses them for nearly everything. There are actually three primary types of Omega 3s:
Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Registered dietitian, Julie Hartley, shows us how important Omega 3 fatty acids are and how we can get them in our diet. Hartley with the Willis Knighton Health recommends specific fish like salmon, especially wild caught salmon as a great source of Omega 3 fatty acid.
ALA (Alpha-linolenic Acid): This is usually the most prevalent type of Omega-3 in your diet, occurring mostly in plant oils. Because your body has to convert these to the other two types, it converts them at a relatively low rate.
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid): These are the anti-inflammatory usually found in fish and shellfish. They have a special role in heart health.
DHA: It is known to be present in fatty fish and shellfish, but also very importantly for brain development and optimal cognitive functions, especially around the eyes.
So, these three are taken uniquely for their function so as to ensure proper intakes of these varieties for optimal health benefits.
Omega-3 Health Benefits
Advantages that omega-3 presents are not only numerous but also very much researched extensively. The health benefits encompass:
Omega-3 decreases triglycerides, reduces blood pressure, and thereby decreases the chance of getting a heart disease. They ensure that your arteries remain unblocked by inhibiting plaque formation.
