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Health Benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids
Written by Gloria Tsang, RD of HealthCastle.com
Published in Jul 2005; Updated in Mar 2010
 (HealthCastle.com) What are omega 3 fatty acids? They're a nutritional element that first caught researchers' attention about 20 years ago - and what they discovered could have health benefits for anyone worried about a healthy heart.
In the early 1980s, studies showed that the Inuit had low rates of heart disease despite their high-fat diet rich in fish. It turns out the omega 3 fatty acids in the fish may be what protects their hearts, along with other health benefits.
Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Heart Disease and Cholesterol
Omega 3 fatty acids are poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Studies show that a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids may help lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Omega 3 fatty acids may also act as an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting. Several other studies also suggest that these fatty acids may help lower high blood pressure.
Potential Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Alzheimer's
Omega 3 fatty acids may protect against the accumulation in the body of a protein believed to be linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to the results of a new animal study published in the March 2005 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience. This study specifically investigated one particular kind of omega 3 fatty acids - Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and the results are encouraging.
Omega 3: Fish or Plant?
With the increasing popularity of vegetarian diets and mounting fears about mercury and PCBs in seafood, people often ask about using flax oil (which contains alpha-linolenic acids - or ALA) instead of fish oil.
Our bodies can convert ALA into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - the beneficial elements of omega 3 - but the conversion process is slow. In addition, a high concentration of ALA (as present in flax oil pills) has been linked to higher risk of prostate cancer by some early research. Until more is known, men may be safest to choose fish oil for heart-healthy omega 3s instead of concentrated ALA.
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The Bottom Line
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 Where to find Omega 3 fatty acids?
- All fish contain omega 3 fatty acids, but they are more concentrated in fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines and herring. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least 2 times a week.
- Many commercial food products, such as bread and baked goods, yogurt and infant formula are now fortified with omega 3 fatty acids.
- Other food sources of omega 3s include:
- Soybeans and tofu
- Some nuts and seeds like walnuts, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds
- Cooking oils such as flax seed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil
- Some eggs, such as omega-3 enhanced eggs
Caution:
- Cod liver oil is not a good source of omega 3 acids. It may cause toxicity in excess amount due to its high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin D.
- Men are best to avoid flax oil pills until more is known about flax's potential link with prostate cancer.
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