If you keep up with the latest nutrition news, you may have a pretty good sense of what they offer. But, if you're like many people, you still can't tell your omega-3s from your omega-6s -- and you sure can't pronounce eicosapentaenoic acid. That's Ok. Our fishing expedition turned up some interesting facts to share about omega-3 fatty acids and fish.
Just what Are Omega-3 Fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty layers of cold-water fish and shellfish, plant and nut oils, English walnuts, flax seed, algae oils, and fortified foods. You can also get omega-3s as supplements. Food and supplement sources of these fatty acids differ in the forms and amounts they contain.
There's two primary kinds of omega-3 fatty acids:
* Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). This long chain type is very plentiful in both fish and shellfish. Interestingly, Algae often provides only DHA.
* Short-chain omega-3 fatty acids are only ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). ALA omega-3 is seen in some plants, such as chia seed or flax seed. While useful, ALA omega-3 fatty acids have smaller health rewards than do Epa and DHA. You have to eat a great deal to achieve equivalent results as you do derived sea food. Yet, for those that tend not to want seafood, or Individuals that are disturbed concerning toxic contamination, the plant sources of omega-3 are really a good substitute.
Hundreds of studies suggest that omega-3s may provide some benefits to a wide range of diseases including cancer, asthma, depression, cardiovascular disease, ADHD, and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
For all these as well as various other factors, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the USDA, the American Heart Association, as well as the American dietetic association all advise consuming no less than two 8-ounce portions of seafood every week.
For the majority of human history, prior to the broad introduction of fats and synthetic food products into the diet, the correct proportion of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids had been two to one. Today, however, eating habits tend to be a lot heavier in corn-fed meat, snacks, and crackers and significantly lighter in fresh vegetables, fruit, as well as seafood. This has lead to an discrepancy of omega-6 to omega-3 of no less than 20-1. This enormous difference in the direction of omega-6 encourages swelling of tissues that, consequently, may lead to a lot of other persistent conditions.
For best health, it is a good idea to limit the amount of polyunsaturated fats in your diet. Foods such as corn and corn derived additives, sunflower and safflower oil and soybeans are all very high in omega-6 fatty acids. Limiting these addiditives will not just help you feel better, there are new evidence that lowering the amount of omega-6 will increase the bodies ability to metabolize the beneficial omega-3.
Just what Are Omega-3 Fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty layers of cold-water fish and shellfish, plant and nut oils, English walnuts, flax seed, algae oils, and fortified foods. You can also get omega-3s as supplements. Food and supplement sources of these fatty acids differ in the forms and amounts they contain.
There's two primary kinds of omega-3 fatty acids:
* Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). This long chain type is very plentiful in both fish and shellfish. Interestingly, Algae often provides only DHA.
* Short-chain omega-3 fatty acids are only ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). ALA omega-3 is seen in some plants, such as chia seed or flax seed. While useful, ALA omega-3 fatty acids have smaller health rewards than do Epa and DHA. You have to eat a great deal to achieve equivalent results as you do derived sea food. Yet, for those that tend not to want seafood, or Individuals that are disturbed concerning toxic contamination, the plant sources of omega-3 are really a good substitute.
Hundreds of studies suggest that omega-3s may provide some benefits to a wide range of diseases including cancer, asthma, depression, cardiovascular disease, ADHD, and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
For all these as well as various other factors, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the USDA, the American Heart Association, as well as the American dietetic association all advise consuming no less than two 8-ounce portions of seafood every week.
For the majority of human history, prior to the broad introduction of fats and synthetic food products into the diet, the correct proportion of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids had been two to one. Today, however, eating habits tend to be a lot heavier in corn-fed meat, snacks, and crackers and significantly lighter in fresh vegetables, fruit, as well as seafood. This has lead to an discrepancy of omega-6 to omega-3 of no less than 20-1. This enormous difference in the direction of omega-6 encourages swelling of tissues that, consequently, may lead to a lot of other persistent conditions.
For best health, it is a good idea to limit the amount of polyunsaturated fats in your diet. Foods such as corn and corn derived additives, sunflower and safflower oil and soybeans are all very high in omega-6 fatty acids. Limiting these addiditives will not just help you feel better, there are new evidence that lowering the amount of omega-6 will increase the bodies ability to metabolize the beneficial omega-3.
About the Author:
Chia seeds are a fantastic way to obtain Omega-3s, a lot better than flax seed or oil. Check out the nutrition information and look through through some appealing Chia recipes at Chia Benefits.