Omega-3 fatty acids are important building blocks of our cell membranes, signaling pathways and neurological systems. They play a critical role in many functions in the body and are essential for good health. These health effects were noted at first by studying the Inuit Indians, which ate a diet of marine and fish wildlife and had a significantly reduced risk of heart disease. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease are so well demonstrated that the American Heart Association has published statements since 1996 recommending increased fish intake and/or omega-3 supplements. Scientists and physicians have also discovered many other benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and the research continues to grow!
Nutritionists and medical professionals alike have come to recognize the importance of balancing omega-3 fatty acids with omega-6 fatty acids in the human diet. Key omega-3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA are found primarily in oily cold-water fish such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel (higher concentrations are found in pure fish oil). Aside from fresh seaweed, a staple of many oriental cultures, plant foods rarely contain EPA or DHA. And because most people on a typical Western diet consume far more omega-6-rich foods (including cereals, whole-grain bread, baked goods, fried foods, margarine, and others), the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is out of balance for just about everyone.
Omega 3 fatty acids may protect against the accumulation in the body of a protein believed to be linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to the results of a new animal study published in the March 2005 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience. This study specifically investigated one particular kind of omega 3 fatty acids – Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and the results are encouraging.
Better brain function and higher intelligence. Pregnant and nursing mothers can have a great impact on the intelligence and happiness of their babies by supplementing with omega 3 fish oil with DHA. For adults, fish oil improves memory, recall, reasoning and focus. You'll swear you're getting younger and smarter.
Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable. However, coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get enough omega-3 by diet alone. These people may want to talk to their doctor about taking a supplement. Supplements also could help people with high triglycerides, who need even larger doses. The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their use.
Taking fish oils while pregnant may also protect babies against developing different types of allergies such as hay fever, sinus infections, asthma, food allergies and allergic skin conditions such as hives and eczema.
It has been found that omega 3 helps to lower triglycerides. The effectiveness fish oils have in lowering blood triglycerides that are known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease have been supported very well in many clinical studies.
Omega III Salmon Oil Plus is the only supplement that provides all 8 members of the Omega 3 family and is guaranteed to be naturally free of all toxins and heavy metals. Our sources are screened for more than 160 contaminants with an allowable detection limit of zero.
More from Corwin Brown
Glaucoma - Symptoms of Glaucoma
By: Corwin Brown | 03/06/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
There are two major types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and acute closed-angle glaucoma. Most glaucoma patients have open-angle glaucoma. There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of open-angle glaucoma. The first sign is usually loss of vision, which is why the disease is sometimes referred to as the "sneak thief of sight." Vision loss caused by glaucoma cannot be restored.
Coxsackie Virus – Information on Coxsackie Virus
By: Corwin Brown | 03/06/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Coxsackie virus (also written as coxsackievirus) is a member of the Picornaviridae family of viruses in the genus termed Enterovirus. Coxsackie viruses are subtype members of Enterovirus that have a single strand of ribonucleic acid (RNA) for its genetic material. The Enteroviruses are also referred to as picornaviruses (pico means "small," so, "small RNA viruses"). Coxsackie virus was first isolated from human feces in the town of Coxsackie, New York, in 1948 by G. Dalldorf.
Coxsackie Virus – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
By: Corwin Brown | 03/06/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Infection usually is spread by fecal-oral contamination, although occasionally the virus is spread by droplets expelled by infected individuals. Items like utensils, diaper-changing tables, and toys that come in contact with body fluids that contain the virus may also transmit them to other individuals.
What is Fibrocystic Breast Disease?
By: Corwin Brown | 02/06/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Fibrocystic breast disease is common and usually benign condition. Symptoms include swollen, tender breasts, and/or one or more lumps. Frequently, symptoms worsen just before a woman's menstrual cycle, subsiding near the end. For the majority of women these symptoms are a temporary discomfort; however some women experience severe pain.
Symptoms of Infertility
By: Corwin Brown | 02/06/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
The first obvious symptom of infertility is the inability to conceive. Unfortunately, most women or men won't discover their infertility until they have tried unsuccessfully to conceive for a period of time. Usually, it takes many tests and exams to come to the conclusion of an infertility diagnosis, but there are a few symptoms to be on the lookout for. A range of emotional and social problems and tensions between the couple regarding childlessness.
Fibrocystic Breast – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
By: Corwin Brown | 02/06/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Fibrocystic breast condition is a common, non-cancerous condition that affects more than 50% of women at some point in their lives. The most common signs of fibrocystic breasts include lumpiness, tenderness, cysts (packets of fluid), areas of thickening, fibrosis (scar-like connective tissue), and breast pain.
Fever Blister – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
By: Corwin Brown | 02/06/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause infections that affect the mouth, the face, the genitals, the skin, the buttocks, and the anal area. This article will concentrate on non-genital herpes. Many people acquire the virus and have no symptoms. For others, painful blisters appear near the area where the virus entered the body.
Fever Blister - Home Remedies for Fever Blister
By: Corwin Brown | 02/06/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Fever blisters are caused more often by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) than herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). As a matter of fact, more than 85 percent of the world's population has been infected with HSV-1. These infections follow the usual course of herpes simplex virus infections in that the first outbreak is usually more painful and lasts longer than recurrent infections.