Women's Health::Can Omega3 Fish Oil Boost Women's Health?

Omega3 fish oil fatty acid supplements may boost women's health.  Fish oil has been shown to be beneficial for many health conditions. PMS, menopausal symptoms, hormonal imbalances, cervical cancer and breast cancer may benefit.
 
A number of authorities have recently recommended increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids by the general population.  Because of this, we are now seeing more products (eggs, yogurt, milk, margarine, etc) that are fortified with omega3s.  The question is, how much omega3s are actually in these products and what is the omega6 to omega3 ratio.  The individual’s goal should be to increase omega3 consumption while reducing omega6.  Since most of the fortified foods contain both, they are not likely to be beneficial.

When it comes to men’s and women's health, regular dietary intake of fatty fish like salmon is probably a good idea, as long as it comes from the Pacific Ocean.  The Atlantic Ocean is heavily polluted.  Fish from the Atlantic contain high levels of mercury and PCBs. 

Fish Oil - Best Source of Omega3/DHA

The better fish oil supplements are molecularly distilled to remove mercury and other contaminants.  Eating a little fish sometimes is okay.  But, the best way to insure that you get enough omega-3 fatty acids every day is to take a molecularly distilled supplement.

DHA is Very Important

Some manufacturers suggest that flax seed oil is better than fish oil.  But flax seed contains only ALA.  The omega-3 fatty acids that are most important to our health are DHA and EPA.  The body can convert ALA to DHA or EPA.  But, researchers have shown that ALA supplements do not increase circulating levels of DHA.  It is DHA that is most beneficial to women's health issues, such as PMS and the depression that may accompany menopause.

Low levels of DHA are known to accompany depression and have been found in women suffering from moderate to severe PMS.  Fish oil is the best and most reliable source of DHA, but you will need to read the label to be sure.  Many products contain more EPA than DHA; it should be just the opposite.

Fish Oil Benefits Health Conditions
 
Omega-3 fatty acids have natural anti-inflammatory activity that helps relieve cramping.  It’s good for the joints and the heart, painful joints often accompany menopause.  Heart disease is more common in postmenopausal women.
 
Breast cancer is one of the women's health issues that are most worrisome, particularly in women with a family history of the disease.  Fish oil may reduce the risk of breast and cervical cancer.  Several studies report that women with these types of cancer have low circulating levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

In addition, we now know that chronic inflammation plays a significant role in cancer cell production and tumor growth.  Researchers have been recommending increased intake of natural anti-inflammatories for several years, but not everyone in the mainstream medical community has paid attention to that advice.

Most people don’t want to give up their regular diets in order to reduce their risk of chronic and life threatening diseases.  But, taking a good dietary supplement is something that practically anyone is willing to do.

In summary: Consume more DHA than EPA.  Take in more omega3 than omega6.  Omega6 comes from cooking oils.  Cut down on frying food.  Fish oil is the best source of Omega3/DHA.  So, take a good fish oil supplement.  It’s good for women's health and for men’s. For the best fish oil source that I have found in my research please visit my website listed below.  Thanks, Margaret Bell