Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Fats are sometimes confusing. You’ve heard about saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and cholesterol. Which is the good fat? Which is the bad fat? The most important point to remember is that fat from animal products (palm oil and coconut oil as well) are saturated fats, the fats that increase your risk for heart disease. Most of the fat in animal products (90%) are triglycerides, which are stored energy; i.e. stored in fat cells. Hence, when you eat beef or butter, the fat goes to your fat cells and clogs your arteries on the trip. These fats must be moderated in your diet or you will never be successful in health or weight management. Notice I said “moderated.” It doesn’t mean you can never have these foods, it simply means that you must choose to have them less often.

There are two essential fatty acids (essential for life) that the body cannot make; i.e., they must be obtained from foods. The best sources to obtain both essential fatty acids (linolenic-omega 3 fatty acid, and Linoleic-omega 6 fatty acid) are oils of certain seeds and nuts. The richest sources of foods containing omega 3 fatty acids are certain types of fish (mackerel, Atlantic salmon, bluefish, halibut, herring, and striped bass. Other good sources are flax seed, pumpkin, soy, and walnut. (Flax seed oil sold in stores becomes rancid very quickly and is hence not a good source of essential fatty acids).

Omega 3 fatty acids seem to help protect against heart disease by making blood less likely to coagulate; the blood is less likely to form clots that can lead to sudden death. In one study, men that eat fatty fish after a heart attack were 30% less likely to die during a two year period than heart attack victims that did not eat fish. Another study has shown that omega 3 fatty acids given before and after angioplasty help arteries remain clear rather than reclog.

Omega 3 fatty acids may aid in arthritis. In more than a dozen studies, arthritis patients ingesting omega 3 pills experienced fewer tender and swollen joints that those not taking pills. It appears that omega 3's suppress a sequence of events that occurs between the cells of the immune system and those of the joints.

Anyone considering taking omega 3 pills should consult with a physician first. Supplemental doses of omega 3's could increase bleeding during an accident of menstrual flow.

Back to Benefits

For more information contact us

Twins homepage