Importance of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

There are numerous nutrients that our body requires. We need to provide these nutrients to our body for proper functioning. Every nutrient performs their functions to give us a healthy life and so are omega 3 fatty acids. We all have heard about omega 3 fatty acids but we don’t know much about it. Omega 3 fatty acids are very important for us. There are numerous health benefits in omega 3 fats but it is important to consume the right and proper omega 3 fats from its sources. And for that one must do some study about it. 

About Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids consist of 2 animal based fats and one plant based. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are two animal based fats and ADA (alpha-linolenic acid) is plant based fat extracted from plant’s seeds and nuts. For high omega 3 health benefits, one must consume omega 3 fish oil. The oil extracted from fish is highly rich in omega 3 fats.

Sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids sources are anchovies, mackerel, sardines, sturgeon, blue fish and lake trout. Salmon are of two types: one is farmed salmon and another is wild salmon. Farmed salmon should not be consumes whereas wild salmon is rich in omega 3 fats. Tuna provides a lot of omega 3 health benefits to men. The sources of omega 3 fat extracted from plants seeds and nuts are walnut, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, canola oil and soybean oil.

Omega 3 Health Benefits

Omega 3 health benefits are numerous and therefore omega 3 fats are an important nutrient which completes the balanced diet. Consumption of fish oil supplements helps in keeping blood fat (also known as triglycerides) normal, relieves stiffness and joint pain too. It also decreases the risk of depression by boosting the effect of antidepressant and decreasing the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Other omega 3 health benefits for men and women are anti-thrombotic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic. It plays an important role in learning and building behaviour of your child. Omega 3 is beneficial for children suffering from SBS (short bowel syndrome).

Do’s And Don’ts

Pregnant women should avoid consuming farm raised fish or fish oil because it contains high amount of contaminants. Instead they should use krill oil which is the purest omega 3 fat source and is free from any harmful content. A person can consume wild trout and wild salmon but not more than 7 ounces a week. Omega 3 based on plant fats should be consumed in limited amount because oil extracted from nuts and seeds are high in calories.

Conclusion

Consulting a doctor before consumption of supplement is important. If you are in course of certain medication then it becomes even more important to seek advice from your doctor because he will recommend you the right does and the right supplement considering the medication he has prescribed you and also looking at the requirement of your body. Apart from this, person under bleeding condition must consult their physician before taking omega 3 supplements. There are some common side effects of omega 3 fish oil such as gas and indigestion and this can be avoided by consuming supplements with coating.