Omega-3 essential fatty acids are found in fish, such as salmon and mackerel. Some fish naturally contain more of these essential fatty acids than others. So, while other foods like eggs, olive oil, and flaxseed oil contain omega-3 fatty acids, these foods contain other types of fat too. So, while they are good sources of omega-3s, they are not considered “essential” to the body.
Essential fatty acids-which are actually the most beneficial kinds of fat for the body–are found in fish oil supplements. Flaxseed oil and other plant sources of essential fatty acids may not actually provide you with as much omega-3 as the supplement form does.
It is important to note that the body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids, so they must be obtained from outside sources. Years ago, researchers discovered that omega-3s were more beneficial when they were obtained from fish, eggs, and grass fed beef, but today they are mostly obtained from a modern diet that includes farmed fish and grain fed meats. Increasing your consumption of healthy foods containing omega-3 fatty acids on a large scale will help modern man adapt to a healthy lifestyle.
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Plant sources of essential fatty acid, such as flaxseed oil and ALA (from grass fed beef) have become misleading for many years. Today, nutritionists realize that ALA is more effective for the body and is better regulated than other forms of omega-3, such as DHA and EPA. ALA may not even convert into DHA and EPA, which are more beneficial to the body. Studies show that ALA supplementation has no effect on circulating blood levels of DHA.
The same can be said of the fish oil supplement, which because it is not produced from fish oil, must be purified and distilled through a process called molecular distillation to remove contaminants. Known side effects of DHA and EPA include nausea, anemia, mutism, or low blood pressure and can be avoided by purchasing a mercury-free fish oil from a reputable source.
Elements derived from the farmed fish most commonly used for their high omega-3 content and low mercury content have scientific names beginning with “Dorset” for Cod and “Tunfast” for Salmon. Adults and children can safely consume these fish oil supplements as well as other fish sources.
Children supplementing with a formula high in DHA have been shown to have improved academic performance and health in the womb and while in the womb. DHA is important for the brain development of the fetus and may have a beneficial effect on certain areas of the body as well.
As there are no real dangers of overdosing on fish oil, the range of benefits extends throughout the entire human population. Individuals that are deprived of adequate amounts of essential fatty acids have been shown to exhibit a higher risk for cardiovascular disease as well as poor cognitive health. Fish oil boosts the immune system and may also prevent the transmission of certain viruses. Recent studies have indicated that fish oil can act as a natural anti-inflammatory, which could help relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
Consuming a fish oil supplement on a daily basis can lead to decreased inflammation throughout the body including the heart muscle, which means a stronger and healthier heart and a healthier heart. It has also been shown to lower blood pressure and relieve arthritis pain. Taking a daily supplement allows the body to twice as much to produce phospholipids which are involved in healthy cell division. These phospholipids are strong structural molecules that protect the cell membranes. However, if the body does not have an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids, the body cannot produce phospholipids. This can lead to cellular damage as well as a significantly decreased immune function.
Treating inflammation can be treated with medication effective in reducing the negative symptoms of arthritis. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil may worsen the effects of anti-inflammatory medications and could lead to an unhealthy overall diet. Some patients, who had been able to adjust to a lower dosage of anti-inflammatory drugs, reported that the fish oil supplements had helped to alleviate the side effects of the medications and allowed them to go back to work.
The initial dose of 1,000 mg of fish oil per day is usually enough for a specific improvement known as omega-3 threshold. This means that taking an additional 1,000 mg of fish oil on top of the 1,000 mg of a low dose on a daily basis required to provide improvements in the area of arthritis.
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