You have probably heard about omega 3 fatty acid or may be you are looking for a remedy to solve your health problems.
Either way, you have come to the right place and this article will answer most of your queries.
Lets start with the basics first.
Omega 3 fatty acid is the name given to the family of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for the proper functioning of our body.
These are termed essential since they cannot be synthesized by our bodies and we need to depend solely on our diet and supplements to get them.
Now the question arises, how do you find out if you are suffering from Omega 3 deficiency?Statistics reveal that the diet of more than 80% of the Western population lacks omega 3 fatty acid.
The common symptoms of Omega 3 deficiency include excessively dry and itchy skin, brittle hair & nails, depression, joint pain, lack of concentration, excessive fatigue, type 2 diabetes and heart problems.
However, you need to consult your physician before taking up any supplements.
How can Omega 3 fatty acid help me? Omega 3 fatty acid or the essential fatty acids have numerous benefits.
Scientists and health experts all over the world name it the 'Miracle food of the 21st century'.
Omega 3 lowers the triglyceride level in the blood while maintaining the HDL 'good cholesterol' levels.
This reduces the risk of coronary heart diseases.
DHA and EPA are the building blocks of the brain cells.
They help in treating mental problems such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease etc.
Omega 3 fatty acids are very beneficial in preventing breast, colon and prostate cancer.
They also help in controlling diabetes.
DHA is important for the brain and retinal development in infants.
Omega 3 supplements taken regularly can treat all skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis & allergies.
They keep blood pressure under control and prevent heart strokes.
Due to their blood thinning properties, they inhibit blood clotting and clogging of arteries.
How can I get more of Omega 3 Fatty acid? The answer to this is simple, by including the dietary sources of omega 3 in you daily diet.
The richest sources of essential fatty acids are cold water fishes such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and Hoki.
Other seafood such as crabs, shrimp and scallops are also rich in omega 3.
The vegetarians need not worry since there are plenty of plant-based foods that can provide you with the essential fatty acids.
These include green leafy vegetables such as spinach & broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, tofu, soybeans and vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, canola oil and flaxseed oil.
The richest source of Omega 3 is Fish oil since it provides both DHA and EPA (the essential fatty acids that can be directly utilized by our bodies).
Choosing the best Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplement As more and more health benefits of Omega 3 fatty acid are coming into light, there is a plethora of brands that have started selling fish oil supplements.
As a consumer, you should make sure you buy the brand that gives you the maximum value for your money.
The most important point to be kept in mind is that not all fish oils are equally beneficial.
Only the ones that have been molecularly distilled are safe for consumption.
Molecular distillation is the process that removes all toxins from the fish oil while retaining its benefits.
Choose the fish oil that has both DHA and EPA in good quantities.
The Hoki fish found in the Southern oceans of New Zealand has naturally high levels of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acids) and EPA.
The oil extracted from this fish has 40% more DHA content and is considered a superior quality amongst other brands.
Make sure your fish oil bottle clearly mentions the name of the species used.
Purchase pharmaceutical brand, molecularly distilled Fish oil supplements for obtaining maximum health benefits.