Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most powerful preventative health factors available in the human (and animal) diet. The body cannot produce them on its own, so these wonders of wellness must be gotten through healthy diet and supplementation.One of omega-3's most notorious benefits is its ability to reduce inflammation in the body, which is realized as a major cause of almost all disease. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is very deficient in omega-3's, and includes excessive amounts of harmful fats/oils as well. Both of these factors are likely a major reason why debilitating conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and others are skyrocketing in the U.S. and in the Western world in general.
How Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Work?
Without getting into too much technical jargon, omega-3's basically work at the cellular level in the body, allowing all cellular functions to be optimized before increasing the efficiency of what goes in and comes out of the cell membranes. In other words, omega-3's work to improve the absorption of nutrients, elimination of wastes, and communication within cells and between cells. Effective cellular communication improves literally every organ and system within the body and enables us to access the body's natural ability to heal and maintain itself, thus preventing disease.
Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Reduce inflammation
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduce blood pressure
- Boost immune system
- Combat chronic illnesses
- Reduce blood clots by clearing arteries
- Keep fluids flowing between cells
- Increase body's natural response to insulin
- Improve production of hormones and enzymes
- Discourage and prevent growth of cancer cells
- Reduce obesity and help with weight loss
- Aide healing of wounds and skin conditions
- Reduce fatigue by promoting efficient use of energy
- Improve brain function
- Relieve pain
Detailed Benefits of Omega-3's To Be Aware Of
- Cardiovascular: Omega-3's are great for your heart and associated organs. They raise levels of HDL ("good" cholesterol), lower LDL ("bad" cholesterol), improve blood flow, increase the flow of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, lower blood pressure, and reduce risk for heart attacks and strokes.
- Skin: Omega-3's keep your skin, the largest organ of your body, healthy and efficient, largely due to boosting fluid transfers between cells. Omega-3's also help keep a healthy balance of proteins in the body, and reduce inflammation. All of these factors combine to help the skin stay well and to heal quicker from wounds and conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and others.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is helped by Omega-3's by reducing inflammation (a major trigger for diabetes and all debilitating conditions) and by helping the body to more efficiently process sugars and insulin. Studies have also shown Omega-3s to lower certain markers in the body for diabetes such as triglycerides and apoproteins.
- Cognitive health: The brain and nervous system are highly dependent on a steady supply of Omega-3's in order to operate well. Thus, these EFAs can improve brain function (memory, concentration, etc.); increase the effectiveness of nerve communications (affecting every part of the body); be of great help to sufferers of depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and related conditions; and improve brain and nervous system health for pre-natal and newborn children.
- Cancer: Numerous studies have linked sufficient levels of Omega-3's to a reduction in risk for several types of cancer including breast, prostate, and colon cancers. Omega-3's help to stabilize hormones in the body and improve bowel function, both major factors in reducing these forms of cancer and others.
- Weight control: Because of Omega-3's abilities to efficiently handle blood sugar and other types of body fats, many people find that they are able to lose weight more easily and keep it off better too.
Getting Omega-3's Into Your Diet
Supplementation with fish oil capsules, flax seed oil, green-lipped mussel oil, and other products is one way to increase your intake of Omega-3's, and for most people this is an advisable component of their wellness routine. However, I would urge caution with fish oil because of our toxic oceans. If you take a fish oil product make sure it is from clean, cold-water fish. Flax seed oil and hemp seed oil is one of the best ways to get a good balance of Omega 3, 6 and 9.
In addition, there are many excellent dietary sources for these EFAs including:
- Cold-water fish like halibut, salmon, sardines, and others
- Pumpkin seeds
- Flaxseeds -- organic and freshly ground
- Walnuts
- Sea Buckthorn oil
- Krill
- Algae
Whether it is foods or supplements, be sure to choose organic, toxin-free sources that will provide the benefits of omega-3's without the hazards of harmful chemicals and additives.
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