Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to be necessary for healthy development since the 1930s. However it was a 1970s clinical study of the Inuit Tribe in Greenland that revealed some exciting medicinal benefits to omega-3s. Although the Inuits ingested large amounts of meat, there was almost no incidence of cardiovascular disease. That was the start of many scientific studies that have uncovered many beneficial effects of omega-3s. Today we are going answer what are omega-3s, why they are so healthy, and how can make sure we get them in the right amount. For those of you who want learn more about the studies mentioned in this article, as well as the chemical makeup of omega-3s, visit the Wikipedia citation on omega-3.
What are Omega-3s? Omega-3s are called essential fatty acids (EPA, DHA, ALA) and they are critical to your brain activities and normal development and growth. But, the body can’t produce these critical nutrients – you have to get them through food. Naturally we get omega-3s from both fish and plants. Cold water fish like salmon, herring, anchovies, mackerel and others are high in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) fatty acids. While plants like olive oil, linseed oil, walnuts and pecans are high in ALA (a-linolenic acid) fatty acids.
Why are Omega-3s so good for us? Okay, they are essential for our normal development, but how else can omega-3s help us? One conclusive clinical study has shown that omega-3s reduce fats, called triglycerides, in your blood stream that can increase your risk of heart disease. The FDA has even approved a prescription form of omega-3 fish oil that was clinically proven to reduce very high triglycerides in adult patients. And there are more benefits to omega-3s; how about helping reduce the risk of diabetes and stroke. Several studies even report possible anti-cancer effects of omega-3s on breast, colon and prostate cancer. Some studies suggest that people with varicose veins and high blood pressure can benefit from omega-3s.
Rod Steel, former Mr. Atlanta and a veteran personal trainer in Orange County insists that his clients take omega-3 supplements everyday. “I have researched Omega-3s for many years. I call them the miracle nutrient. You ask about what omega-3s can do beyond the points you already brought up? How about helping with rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, hardening of the arteries, Alzheimer’s, and the ailment common to most all of these maladies- inflammation! And on the frontier, research work is being done on the omega-3 benefits to ADHD and low birth weight.”
How do we make sure we get enough omega-3s? In a perfect world we would be getting our omega-3s from fish and plants. Most studies indicate you can consume your daily requirement of plant based omega-3s. However, for most of us we need to add supplements to our intake of fish oil. This is where it can get tricky. Depending on your physical makeup and level of activity you might require 1000mg of omega-3 fish oil supplements. BUT DON’T LET THE LABEL ON THE BOTTLE FOOL YOU! The label might read 1000mg of fish oil, but THAT DOES NOT EQUATE TO 1000mg of omega-3s. Read the fine print on the back and look for the actual omega-3 (EPA & DHA) content. If you want to research more, there are many good on-line resources. Or, you can contact Rod Steel the home personal trainer in Orange County and inquire as to how omega-3s can help you.
↑ Back to Top