Omega-3
from A to Z
What is
Omega-3?
Omega-3
is a special type
of “good” fat
that is essential
to the proper development
and function of the
human body. It belongs
to a family of essential
fatty acids, which
are vital components
in healthy bodies.
There are three
types of Omega-3
- Omega-3 DHA
- Omega-3 EPA
- Omega-3 ALA.
The most important
of these for brain
function is Omega-3
DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic
acid). Not only is
Omega-3 the primary
component of brain
cells, but it also
plays an important
role in just about
every organ and tissue
in the body.
Why do I
need Omega-3?
Omega-3 is vital
to a healthy mind,
heart, and body.
The principal building
block of the brain
is Omega-3 DHA. From
birth to about age
22, Omega-3 is one
of the most important
factors in the development
of the brain and
nervous system. It
is also essential
for all adults in
promoting brain function,
heart health, a positive
mood and several
other healthy body
functions.
In
the 1970s, scientists
discovered that the
Inuit (Eskimos) people
of Greenland were
some of healthiest
people in the world.
Their diet was very
high in fat from
eating whale, salmon,
and seal, but they
had far fewer health
problems (coronary
heart disease, arthritis,
diabetes, etc.) than
other Europeans.
Scientists concluded
that Omega-3 was
the determining factor
in the Inuit people’s
superior health.
Similar results
were found in Iceland.
People in Iceland
have fewer problems
with heart disease,
stroke and high blood
pressure than any
other nation in the
world. They also
have the longest
life expectancy and
the lowest infant
mortality rate in
the world. Again,
scientist attributed
this to high intake
of Omega-3 fish oils
(particularly DHA
and EPA). 1
1
Garry Gordon, M.D.
and Herb Joiner-Bey,
N.D. “The Omega-3
Miracle.” Freedom
Press, 2004.
Where do
you find Omega-3?
Because the body
cannot make Omega-3,
it is necessary to
get it from outside
sources. The principal
source of Omega-3
DHA and EPA is fish,
such as salmon, mackerel,
tuna and other deep
cold water fish. Omega-3
Brain Booster ™ offers
all the benefits
of fish, but in an
easy-to-use powder
that has no taste
or smell.
Omega-3 ALA is found
in different plants
and nuts, including
flax. Because the
human body can only
convert a very small
percentage of ALA
into a useful form,
DHA and EPA are considered
the most essential
types of Omega-3.
What is
the Omega-6 to
Omega-3 ratio?
Also
in the family of
essential fatty
acids, is Omega-6.
Sources of Omega-6
oils include corn,
safflower, sunflower,
peanut and soybean.
It is important to
maintain the right
ratio of Omega-6
to Omega-3. A healthy
ratio of Omega-6
to Omega-3 for adults
is 2:1. Today, most
people have a ratio
of Omega-6 to Omega-3
as high as 20:1.
An unbalance of this
ratio can cause many
health problems.
The best way to obtain
a healthy Omega-6
to Omega-3 ratio
is to limit the amount
of Omega-6 taken
into the diet and
increase intake of
Omega-3 through food
or dietary supplements.
In addition to adding
Omega-3 to your diet,
an important factor
in maintaining a
healthy body is eating
a balanced diet,
including plenty
of fruits and vegetables.
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