Discover the Benefits of Four Omega 3 Oils

<h1>Discover the Benefits of Four Omega 3 Oils</h1>Author: <a title="Laurel Cohen" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/laurel-cohen/92332.htm">Laurel Cohen</a> Let’s face it.  If you go shopping for omega3 oils, you will see that there are a number of choices.  Basically, that’s because there are a number of different omega-3 fatty acids.  Here’s a look at the different ones, where you’ll find them and the health benefits associated with each. Alpha-linolenic Acid—ALA Also known as 18:3 (n-3), because of its 18-carbon chain and three double bonds, it is the shortest of the long chained polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids.  It is still considered, by some, to be the only “essential” omega-3, because the body can elongate it to form the others. The problems with relying totally on the elongation process are these: <ol> <li>It is inefficient; only a small percentage is converted</li> <li>ALA, itself, is needed by the body; conversion to the other fatty acids will only occur after the body’s needs for ALA have been met</li> <li>Even though they are polyunsaturated, too much fat in the diet contributes to health problems.</li> </ol> Omega3 oils that provide ALA include those derived from vegetables and seeds.  Good sources include canola and olive oils.  Peanut, sunflower, grape seed and cottonseed contain none or almost none.  Corn oil contains too many omega-6s to be considered a good choice, because omega-6s compete for conversion and contribute to inflammation. Docosapentaenoic acid—DPA Not too much is known about DPA.  It is an intermediary in the conversion of ALA to EPA and then to DHA.  It is found in some coldwater fish and other marine life.  It is believed to contribute to the overall cardiovascular health seen in the Greenland Eskimos.  Alaskan salmon may contain some.  A fish called the New Zealand hoki is a good source.  Other omega3 oils do not contain DPA. Eicosapentaenoic acid—EPA EPA is essential for the formation of various hormones and cellular membranes.  It is beneficial in treating depression, both alone and when combined with DHA.  It has been recommended for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and Huntington’s disease.  One researcher, Ralph Holman, states that both EPA and DHA are important to the brain.  DHA is needed to support the brain’s structure, he says.  EPA is needed to support its function. Other health benefits associated with omega3 oils containing EPA include superior cardiovascular function, a reduction in systematic inflammation and possibly a reduced risk of cancer. The only dietary sources of EPA are some types of fish and seafood, although a small amount is found in some varieties of edible seaweed or kelp.  Dried Wakame kelp, for example, contains about 10mg per tablespoon. Docosahexaenoic acid—DHA The benefits of DHA are mentioned above, although research indicates that it may be even more beneficial than EPA for some purposes, particularly for cardiovascular health.  The only dietary sources are fish and seafood.  Marine algae contain some and are being grown as a vegan source of the important nutrient. There are other things that you could learn about omega3 oils.  What you have read about here is just the tip of the iceberg.About the Author: Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site <a href="http://www.omega-3-for-health.com"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.omega-3-for-health.com">http://www.omega-3-for-health.com</a></a> to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/discover-the-benefits-of-four-omega-3-oils-1432956.html" title="Discover the Benefits of Four Omega 3 Oils">Discover the Benefits of Four Omega 3 Oils</a>

Let’s face it. If you go shopping for omega3 oils, you will see that there are a number of choices. Basically, that’s because there are a number of different omega-3 fatty acids. Here’s a look at the different ones, where you’ll find them and the health benefits associated with each.

Alpha-linolenic Acid—ALA

Also known as 18:3 (n-3), because of its 18-carbon chain and three double bonds, it is the shortest of the long chained polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. It is still considered, by some, to be the only “essential” omega-3, because the body can elongate it to form the others.

The problems with relying totally on the elongation process are these:

It is inefficient; only a small percentage is converted
ALA, itself, is needed by the body; conversion to the other fatty acids will only occur after the body’s needs for ALA have been met
Even though they are polyunsaturated, too much fat in the diet contributes to health problems.

Omega3 oils that provide ALA include those derived from vegetables and seeds. Good sources include canola and olive oils. Peanut, sunflower, grape seed and cottonseed contain none or almost none. Corn oil contains too many omega-6s to be considered a good choice, because omega-6s compete for conversion and contribute to inflammation.

Docosapentaenoic acid—DPA

Not too much is known about DPA. It is an intermediary in the conversion of ALA to EPA and then to DHA. It is found in some coldwater fish and other marine life. It is believed to contribute to the overall cardiovascular health seen in the Greenland Eskimos. Alaskan salmon may contain some. A fish called the New Zealand hoki is a good source. Other omega3 oils do not contain DPA.

Eicosapentaenoic acid—EPA

EPA is essential for the formation of various hormones and cellular membranes. It is beneficial in treating depression, both alone and when combined with DHA. It has been recommended for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and Huntington’s disease. One researcher, Ralph Holman, states that both EPA and DHA are important to the brain. DHA is needed to support the brain’s structure, he says. EPA is needed to support its function.

Other health benefits associated with omega3 oils containing EPA include superior cardiovascular function, a reduction in systematic inflammation and possibly a reduced risk of cancer.

The only dietary sources of EPA are some types of fish and seafood, although a small amount is found in some varieties of edible seaweed or kelp. Dried Wakame kelp, for example, contains about 10mg per tablespoon.

Docosahexaenoic acid—DHA

The benefits of DHA are mentioned above, although research indicates that it may be even more beneficial than EPA for some purposes, particularly for cardiovascular health. The only dietary sources are fish and seafood. Marine algae contain some and are being grown as a vegan source of the important nutrient.

There are other things that you could learn about omega3 oils. What you have read about here is just the tip of the iceberg.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

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