Omega 3

The most effective way to maintain body supplies of all the omega 3 fatty acids is to obtain them directly from the diet or by dietary supplementation. A deficiency of omega 3 oils has been strongly implicated in ailments such as heart disease, cancer, immune dysfunction and many other modern illnesses. Conditions including allergies, asthma, alcoholism, arthritis, dry skin, eczema, inflammatory conditions and a great many others, may all be related to EFA deficiencies or imbalances. 

Increasing EFA consumption can have positive effects on many disorders. They improve the skin and hair, reduce blood pressure, aid in the prevention of arthritis, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of blood clot formation. Classic deficiency symptoms of omega 3 include growth retardation, reproductive failure, dry skin, joint inflammation, skin lesions, kidney and liver disorders, and subtle neurological and visual problems. A deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids has also been linked with depression ⁽⁸⁾ 

Research into the health benefits of the omega 3 fatty acids started with a simple observation: The native peoples of Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland commonly consume a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, and have a considerably low rate of heart disease, even though their diets are relatively high in fat. ⁽²⁾These findings have encouraged numerous population studies to be made which have demonstrated that people who consume a diet rich in omega 3 oils from either fish or vegetable sources, have a significantly reduced risk of developing heart disease. Results from autopsy studies have shown that the highest degree of coronary artery disease is found on individuals with the lowest concentration of omega 3 oils in their fat tissues. ⁽⁴⁾ Recent studies have shown that the two populations with the lowest rate of heart attacks – the Japanese of Kohama Island and the inhabitants of Crete – have a relatively high intake of omega 3. ^{(5, 6)}

Further research has highlighted the beneficial effects of Omega 3 fatty acids in reducing the risk of heart disease. ⁽⁷⁾ Regular consumption of omega 3 fatty acids helps to prevent blood clots, protect against irregular heartbeats, and lower blood pressure. ^{(8 )} Fatty fish (and Omega 3 fish oil supplements) are one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids. The omega 3 fatty acids in fish oils, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), may benefit people who have previously had a heart attack by suppressing the inflammation response, reducing blood clotting time, stabilizing heart rhythm, and lowering triglyceride levels. ⁽⁹⁾

So why has omega 3 proven to be so beneficial to heart health? Omega 3 can help to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system by improving ‘good’ HDL-cholesterol, reducing ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, and lowering total blood fats in healthy people. Omega 3 fatty acids has been shown to protect against heart disease by; Reducing blood fats, preventing blood clots, protecting against irregular heartbeats, lowering blood pressure and defending against inflammation. ⁽³⁾