According to recent research from the University of East Anglia, Omega 3 shows little effect on risk of heart disease, stroke or cancer.  

I strongly believe this is yet another ploy by the pharmaceutical companies to promote their own medications to treat these symptoms. Interestingly enough, the research failed (conveniently) to give any evidence of how much Omega 3 the subjects were actually given during the trial! Quite a misinterpretation of the accuracy of a trial such as this, in my humble opinion! And yet there are so many scientifically based studies showing the benefits of Omega 3….. with heart disease being the most commonly known benefit. In fact few nutrients have been as thoroughly studied.

Let’s look at some facts about Omega 3 fatty acids.

They are considered essential fatty acids. They are necessary for human health, but the body cannot produce them. You have to get them through food in order to be healthy.

These are the different types of Omega 3 Fatty Acids:

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). This is plant based and found in green, leafy vegetables, flax seeds and chia seeds.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA).  Found in oily fish, algae oil and krill oil along with DHA. These are the Omega 3’s your body needs in high quantities to maximize the benefits.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). Also found in oily fish, krill oil and algae oil, your body will convert some DHA molecules back to EPA’s in order to keep them at fairly equal levels if you consume more DHA.

And in case you’re not convinced, this is what Omega 3 can do for you with all the science to back it up. 

• It fights depression, anxiety and bipolar.
• Improves eye health (and dry eyes).
• Improves risk factors for heart disease and helps prevent cancer!
• Can reduce symptoms of ADHD in children.
• Fights inflammation.
• Fights autoimmune diseases.
• Improves mental disorder.
• Fights Alzheimer’s disease.
• Reduces asthma in children.
• Can reduce fat in the liver.
• Improves bone and joint health.
• Improves sleep patterns.
• Great for your skin. 

Deficiency is common and symptoms include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression and poor circulation.

HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED?

Besides including oily fish, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables in your diet, most health authorities recommend 250 – 500mg of EPA and DHA combined each day. Those with heart problems, depression, anxiety and cancer may benefit from up to 4,000mg per day. I personally take 2150mg of EPA and DHA Omega 3 combined.

Your body also needs Omega 6, another type of fatty acid to prevent disease and function properly. Our bodies crave a 1:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 to keep inflammation low. Most modern diets contain a whacking ratio closer to 20:1. Omega 6’s come in some form of Linoleic acid (LA) and are found in vegetable oils, safflower oils, meat, poultry and eggs.

TAKE YOUR OMEGA 3 – IT’S ESSENTIAL TO YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING!