efa
Omega 3 fish oil contains two active ingredients- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). EPA and DHA are essential fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are Omega 3 fat which is found in cold water fish. EPA and DHA are highly unsaturated fat because of they contain 6 and 5 double bonds on their long structural chain. These polyunsaturated fats play a very important role with the function of our bodies. EPA and DHA are vital nutrients and may be taken to maintain healthy function of the brain and retina. DHA is a building block of tissue in the brain and retina of the eye. It helps with forming neural transmitters, such as phosphatidylserine, which is important for brain function. It is found in the retina of the eye and taking DHA may be necessary for maintaining healthy levels of DHA for normal eye function. EPA and DHA are converted into hormone like substances called prostaglandins, and they regulate cell activity and healthy cardiovascular function. Similarly, they have a beneficial role in human growth and intellectual development. DHA plays a very important role during fetal development, early infancy, and old age. High concentrations of DHA are found in the brain and increases 300-500% in and infant's brain during the last trimester of pregnancy. Adding DHA to a pregnant mother’s diet may be beneficial for the fetus's brain development. Elderly people should also take EPA and DHA, because as we get older, our bodies form less EPA and DHA, which may cause less mental focus and cognitive function. Taking EPA and DHA may also help with mental abnormalities, such as Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. There are other benefits to taking EPA and DHA because it also plays as a source of energy, it insulates the body against heat loss, prevents skin from drying and flaking, and cushions tissues and organs.
Omega 3 benefits include the following:
Brighter Babies- Pregnant Mums give birth to brighter and more alert babies.
Extra Brain Power- Children increase their brainpower and cognitive ability.
Fewer Tantrums- Children are less likely to be aggressive or have tantrums.
Reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Dis-order. (ADHD)
Prevent Alzheimer’s- Middle Age people can reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s, in old age.
Control the effects of Asthma.
Improve Arthritis. Reduce symptoms and effects of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation.
Increase Autoimmune Disease Survival Rates. Omega 3 helps the arteries and other parts of the body stay inflammation free, thereby boosting the bodies’ natural immunity.
Reduce Hypertension and the risk of Strokes. Lower blood pressure for all.
Improve Heart Health. Stabilising irregular heart beats, reducing blood pressure.
Improve the symptoms of Lupus, Raynauds disease and other autoimmune diseases. Research has shown that Omega 3 can increase survival rates of those with autoimmune disease and also reduce pain on a daily basis.
Reduce Depression and symptoms of other mental health problems. It can help reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate depression, dementia, post-natal depression, bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia.
Aid Cancer prevention of the colon and breast. For those with these diseases it also assists with recovery and continued remission.
Lose Weight More Easily. May help to maintain a weight loss programme by helping to control blood sugar levels.
Omega 6 benefits include the followings:
Reduce the joint inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and thereby the aches and pains.
Relieve many of the symptoms of PMS, including bloating cramps and breast tenderness.
Reduce the symptoms of both endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts.
Maintain healthy skin; more specifically reduce the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Clear acne and rosacea by reducing the number of clogged pores, stimulating the contraction of the blood vessels and reducing inflammation.
Maintain and enhance the growth of healthy and vibrant hair.
Prevent nerve deterioration in diabetics.
Promote hormonal and emotional balance.
Enhance growth of healthy hair, nails and skin.
Omega 9 benefits include the followings:
Reduces arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.
Improved blood sugar maintenance and insulin resistance.
Protects and support the immune system.
Reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Lower the rates of cardiovascular disease and improve heart health.
Reduce blood pressure and the risk of strokes.
References:
http://www.mind1st.co.uk/EPADHA.asp
Dr. Ronald Hoffman. http://www.drhoffman.com/page.cfm/84
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/sep98/dha0998.htm
