Omega-3 Fatty Acids: What the heck are those, anyway?
Without getting into a long and drawn out analysis about what Omega-3 acids are and why you need them, this article will instead focus on the numerous benefits of the essential nutrient type. Omega-3 Fatty Acids have experienced a massive surge in press and popularity in the last few years, partly due to recent media attention because of some prospective health benefits claimed by scientists that were later reinforced by the American government.
There are many different cuisines that are described as food for the soul; Omega-3 Fatty Acids can be described as food for the heart. Recent medical studies have shown a direct connection between Omega-3 Fatty Acids and a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. These results have been further proven by tests done in various countries, including a joint study done between the EPA and Japanese health organizations.
Quick Omega-3 Facts
Omega-3 Fatty Acids can be easily obtained through your diet – Fish, dairy, and Omega-3 enhanced foods are easily accessible and can be worked into any meal plan. The body cannot process Omega-3 acids in a raw form, but rather it is able to synthesize and process Omega-3 acids that are obtained indirectly through food consumption.
Connections have been made between Omega-3 fatty acids and cholesterol levels – A test done of 60 men (30 test and 30 control) have shown significant reductions in arterial blockage in men with unhealthy blood sugar levels. The difference was quite significant between the test group (who received the Omega-3 fatty acid supplements), and the control which did not. The test groups overall arterial blockage and cholesterol were much lower than the control group.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids boost the immune system – Tests done on Danish infants show that infants who were given milk with an Omega-3 acid supplement had a higher overall immune system maturity rate with no decrease in immune system response.
What does that mean? Their immune systems were better than the babies who were not given Omega-3 supplements.
These acids are still relatively new and unexplored within the medical community, though it can be said with a fair degree of certainty that they offer tremendous health benefits. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are part of your natural diet, meaning that you don’t have to worry about introducing some kind of third-party hormone/chemical/component into your diet. Like creatine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids occur in considerable quantities within fish, which may explain many of the health benefits associated with coastal and Mediterranean diets that are rich in seafood.
As the North American population continues to successfully expand its waistline, it is refreshing to see that there are ways to enjoy a healthy, varied diet without having to dramatically change your current intake. Supplementation of your diet with Omega-3 Fatty Acids can do wonders for your health.
