What is Omega-3 . . . and why you need it!

Omega-3, which is primarily found in oily fish, is critical for preventing and treating heart disease by controlling inflammation. With it’s capability to control inflammation, Omega-3 is also known for preventing and treating diabetes, arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s and, perhaps, cancer. Researchers are even telling us that Omega-3 might be able to fend off cognitive decline and depression. Omega-3 is the best nutritional supplement that you can take. The scientific community is pretty much in agreement that, with the exception of a good multivitamin that contains vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and zinc, Omega-3 is the best nutritional supplement that you can take.

How does omega-3 help prevent heart disease? Research has proven that Omega-3 decreases the risk of irregular heart rhythm, it slows the growth of plaque buildup in the arteries, and the studies show that Omega-3 lowers triglycerides. European physicians routinely prescribe pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplements as part of their patients’ post-heart-attack regimen.

Isn’t Omega-3 found in foods other than fish? In addition to fish, Omega-3 is abundant in flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil. The Omega-3 found in these foods, however, doesn’t contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We need EPA and DHA to derive benefit from omega-3. More specifically, DHA helps lower blood pressure and EPA helps treat cognitive illness. In lieu of EPA and DHA, flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil have alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body can convert to EPA and DHA. Unfortunately, not everyone can convert ALA to EPA and DHA – so your mileage may vary.

How much Omega-3 do I need?  Unless your physician advises otherwise, the recommended dosage of Omega-3 is 2 grams per day. As it turns out, inflammation is a necessary part of your immune system, and because Omega-3 controls inflammation (this is why omega-3 is so great for your arteries and why it’s so great for arthritis), too much omega-3 could suppress your body’s ability to heal, which, in turn, increases the risk for infection.

Omega-3 can reduce your blood-clotting ability You should consult with your physician before taking Omega-3 EPA/DHA if you take a blood thinner. Because omega-3 inhibits blood clotting, my doctor asked me to stop taking my Omega-3 supplements prior to and directly after my knee surgery a couple of years ago. In other words, keep your physician informed.

If I can eat fish, why do I need to take an omega-3 supplement? Obviously eating Omega-3 fatty acid rich fish twice a week, in lieu of nutritional supplements, is the best way to go. Or is it? Given that mercury and PCB toxicity levels found in some fish have increased significantly over the last several years, one should be concerned. Because of the high levels of mercury and PCB’s, some scientists are suggesting that we limit our consumption of tuna and farm-raised salmon to a few servings per month. Geez, what a pickle we’ve gotten ourselves into. If you are going to obtain your daily dosage of Omega-3 from fish, it is recommended that you eat wild salmon or lake trout.

Are omega-3 supplements safe? As with any supplement, it’s important to buy your Omega-3 from a reputable supplement provider. You obviously want to purchase omega-3 that is guaranteed to be free of mercury, PCB’s and other toxins.

Buy your supplements from a provider who stands behind their products with purity and quality guarantees. I buy my Omega-3 from Life Extension Foundation, a not-for-profit company that is dedicated to the research and development of world-class health supplements. Life Extension voluntarily complies with GMP, the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Process criterion that has been established for pharmaceutical companies, not supplement companies.

If you purchase your supplements via the internet, make sure that you read the label right away – check the dosage and the expiration date before you discard your receipt and packing materials. Keep your Omega-3 refrigerated – this is fish oil after all.

Should I take the Omega-3 supplement? The big question is “Can you, eat Omega-3 rich fish twice a week?” Speaking for myself, I try to eat wild salmon once a week (which only represents 50% of the Omega-3 fatty acid a healthy body requires) but I simply fail to keep up with the program – this is why I take Omega-3 EPA / DHA supplements – Once again, I get my Omega-3 EPA / DHA supplements from Life Extension Foundation.

Sources

1. Office of Dietary Supplements website. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health.

2. American Heart Association. Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

3. ConsumerLab.Com website.

4. Alternative Medicine Magazine