Everything you need to know about Omega 3
by: crozon
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We have all heard about the importance of eating properly, and getting a well rounded diet. Which includes making sure your diet covers all the basic food groups, vitamins, proteins, and essential fatty acids like Omega3, 6 and 9. Our bodies are equipped to manufacture Omega9, but not the other two.
Since the human body cannot make its own Omega3 and 6, your diet must provide a steady intake of both. Seeing as our diets are so high in Omega6, many doctors suggest the Omega3:Omega6 ratio may already be anywhere from 1:20 to 1:40, where it should be more balanced at a 1:1 ratio, taking supplements is a good alternative.
Below is an explanation of the three types of Omega3 supplements available on the market today.
Flax Oil
Flax oil is a non-marine source of Omega3 and contains the Omega3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body needs and cannot make for itself. Several other sources of ALA do exist, most notably walnuts and hemp seed. However, because flax only yields ALA, which then must be converted into EPA and DHA by the body, it is not an effective source of Omega3 for the following reasons:
·Bodily conversion of ALA results in low levels of EPA and DHA
·Converting ALA into EPA and DHA is not very efficient, especially as one gets older
·Flax oil contains no DPA, the third main component of Omega3
·Flax oil is high in Omega6, something our bodies do not need
The estimated rate of ALA to EPA and DHA conversion ranges from 5% to 25%. This means in order to make sufficient amounts of EPA and DHA, one would need to consume 5 to 6 times more ALA than you would if you were to use fish oil alone.
Fish Oil
Whether you are eating fish or taking fish oil supplements, fish has been known to contain numerous health benefits, especially fatty species which are rich sources of Omega3 fatty acids. Proven benefits range from lowering triglycerides and blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, to the more subtle effects of reducing chronic inflammation. Fish oils provide a direct source of EPA and DHA. There are, however, some problems with fish oils:
·Low levels of DPA
·Fish are susceptible to chemical pollutants and dioxins in the water
·High in Omega6
Seal Oil
Seal oil is one of the best and most direct sources of EPA, DHA and DPA, the third component of Omega3. While DPA is present in some fish and fish oils, the levels are much lower than seal oil, about 1/5. Seal is oil has been determined to be the best source of Omega3 for the following reasons:
·It is chemically similar to the Omega3 found in our bodies
·Seals can filter out chemical impurities better than fish
·Seal oil contains the highest levels of DPA (up to 10 times more than fish oils)
Unlike both flax and fish oil, seal oil has only traces of Omega6, and may be one of the best Omega3 supplements to reduce the imbalance of Omega3:Omega6.
About the Author
ABOUT THE WRITERS David Leonhardt and Corey Rozon are professional website marketing consultants in Canada. For more information about the benefits of seal oil, check out the Omega 3 blog.
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