Omega 3’s: Why You Need to Use Them
While eliminating trans fats and cutting back on saturated is a great way to improve heart health and cut calories, our bodies still require certain fats in order to function optimally. The consumption of sufficient Omega 3 fatty acids is imperative to our well being. The healthy fatty acids that are found in cold water fish, flax seeds, leafy greens and a number of other food sources offer many valuable health benefits.
Brain function
The human brain and central nervous system are made up of DHA which is one of the fatty acids found in Omega 3’s. Ensuring adequate DHA consumption through the diet is crucial to brain development and the function of the central nervous system, which is responsible for every process and function of our bodies. A deficiency in DHA can result in a decline in cognitive function, nuerotransmitter upset, poor memory and many other undesireable outcomes.
Inflammation
The Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA have been shown to reduce inflammation. Inflammation in the body contributes to numerous ailments and autoimmune diseases such as depression, cancer, Chrons disease, lupus and coronary heart disease just to name a few. Many patients requiring medication to control a number of inflammation related diseases have seen an improvement in symptoms simply by supplementing their diets with fish and krill oil.
Cardiovascular health
Omega 3 fats are considered to be extremely beneficial to heart and cardiovascular health by helping to lower triglycerides, reduce blood clots and lower blood pressure. They can also reduce the risk of heart rythym abnormalities which means fewer occurances of sudden cardiac death. Due to the positive effect these fats have on the cardiovascular system and brain health, they may help to significantly reduce the risk of not only heart attacks, but strokes as well.
Depression
A strong correlation has been discovered between fish oil consumption and a reduction in the symptoms of depression, bi polar disorder and post partum depression. The Omega 3 fats EPA and DHA may have an effect on neurotransmitters, acting in a similar way to some medications. Although more research needs to be done on this, so far the findings are positive. Some people have found a marked improvement in symptoms with a combination of fish or krill oil supplements and regular exercise.
Fat loss
In recent years there have been numerous studies done on the effects of Omega 3’s and weight loss. Although it may seem detrimental to fight fat with fat, the subjects of varying studies have been shown to experience a very modest increase in fat loss than those that took part in the placebo group. While the jury is still out on how exactly omega 3 fats aid in fat loss, it certainly can’t hurt to try it. There are so many other exceptional benefits of supplementing Omega 3 fatty acids that improved body composition is simply a bonus.
How to make sure you’re getting your share
Omega 3 fats are found in fish, plant and nut oils. DHA and EPA are the 2 most beneficial components of Omega 3 fats. ALA, which is found mainly in the plant and nut, based sources, although a healthy option needs to be converted by the body into DHA and EPA. This process does not always occur very efficiently so it is best to consume the majority of Omega 3’s through sea life. Krill oil is one of the best sources of DHA and EPA available. Krill are crustaceans, similar to shrimp and are also full of antioxidants. Fish oil such as salmon, sardine, halibut and tuna are also exceptional choices. Krill and fish oil are available in capsule form, making it very simple to ensure the daily requirement is met.
For vegans and vegetarians, plant and nut based oils like that found in flax seeds, walnuts and leafy greens are good options, although they will have to be converted into the EPA and DHA fats.
So far there seem to be almost unlimited positive health benefits to making Omega 3’s part of your daily diet. Since a supplement is easy and convenient to take, everyone can reap the rewards of this heart healthy, fat burning, disease fighting, mood boosting super nutrient.
Categories: Healthy Supplements Tags: fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids workouts, omega 3 fish oil supplements fitness
Why Krill Oil is a Great Way to Get Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids offer numerous benefits such as maintaining the health of our brains, cardiovascular systems and other organs, as well as reducing symptoms of depression, PMS, arthritis and improving cholesterol levels. The list doesn’t end there, which is why everyone should be supplenting their diets with Omega 3 fats, especially EPA and DHA.
EPA and DHA are 2 of the fatty acids, along with ALA, found in cold water fish, seafood and plant based sea life. For the sake of convenience and purity, these fats are available in condensed oil form and can be taken by the spoonful or capsule. While fish oil has long been the gold standard of Omega 3 supplements, Krill oil is emerging as possibly a more desireable option.
Krill are tiny, shrimp like crustaceans that survive on the bottom of the food chain, serving as sustenance for most other marine life, predominantly in the North Pacific and Antarctic oceans. Krill oil contains both DHA and EPA, although in a slightly different format than that of fish oil. Along with this difference in form, krill oil offers a number of other advantages as well.
Phospholipids and Absorbability
The EPA and DHA found in krill oil is structured in phospholipid form, just like the cells in our bodies and brains. This makes it much easier for the body to absorb and utilize these fats, making better, more efficient use of your supplement.
Antioxidants
Along with the vitamins A, D and E, krill oil contains the super antioxidant astaxanthin. Astaxanthin offers a wide range of benefits to the body including protection from UV light and sun damage. It also has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, making it available to the brain and central nervous system, offering potential protection from degenerative diseases such as alzheimers.
Purity
Krill oil may be the cleanest, most pure form of Omega 3 fats available. The majority of krill is harvested in the Antarctic and North Pacific oceans, which are considered to be the least polluted bodies of water. Less pollution in the water equals less pollution in the sea life. Since krill are at the bottom of the food chain, they have a short lifespan and are often consumed by bigger fish a short time after their life begins. This allows less time for them to absorb pollutants.
Less aftertaste
Krill oil is absorbed very quickly which leaves less time to linger and create the fishy aftertaste or reflux that is common with fish oils. No more fish burps.
Are there negative side effects?
So far there are only two potential downsides to supplementing with krill oil. For one, those that have allergies to shrimp should avoid it. While it may be fine to take it even with an allergy, that is still unknown, so it’s better to be safe rather than sorry.
Krill oil is also somewhat pricier than fish oil, although due to the more efficient absorbability and utilization of krill oil, it may be worth the heftier price tag.
The bottom line is that krill oil is a fantastic way to ensure your diet is rich in available, easily absorbed Omega 3 fatty acids. A regular dose of Omega 3’s can improve your health, appearance and performance and should be part of your well balanced diet.
Categories: Healthy Supplements Tags: fish oil, krill oil, most pure omega 3, omega 3
