A Guide To Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3’s are a type of fatty acid that is usually found in oily fish like salmon and mackerel. These fatty acids are crucial for your body to function at an optimum level. However, when you do not consume an appropriate amount of Omega-3’s you will notice a dramatic impact on your health. You can click here to visit Analyze That for more information regarding the latest health news.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of two major types of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fatty acids consist of long chains of carbon atoms with a carboxyl group at one end of each chain and a methyl group at the other end of the chain. Omega-3 fatty acids have a carbon to carbon double bond, which is found three carbons from the methyl end of the chain.

Symptoms Of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency

• Depression – Omega-3’s are highly concentrated in the brain. Therefore, if you are not getting enough Omega-3’s you will struggle to maintain a proper level of chemicals in your brain.
• Inflammation And Arthritis – Individuals who are deficient in omega 3’s often struggle with inflammation and complications like arthritis.
• Weight Gain – When you do not get enough omega-3’s in your diet you will notice a significant decrease in your metabolic rate which could lead to weight gain.
• Heart Disease – Omega-3’s help to lower the levels of harmful LDL cholesterol in your body. Therefore, if you are not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet you may develop heart disease.
• Learning Difficulties – Due to the fact that omega-3 fatty acids are concentrated in your brain, if you are deficient in this vital nutrient you will have significant difficulties learning and retaining information.
• Skin Problems – Fatty acids are responsible for the health of cell membranes in the skin as they form a protective layer which helps protect the skin from harmful pollutants in the air.
• Poor Memory And Recall – fatty acids are vital for your brain to develop and function properly. Therefore, if you are deficient in omega-3s your brain will not be able to store and recall information as well.
• Inhibited Immune Functioning – people who are deficient in omega-3’s will notice that their immune systems do not protect them as efficiently as other people who do consume enough fatty acids.

Health Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Consuming appropriate amounts of fatty acids will have a dramatic influence on the amount of triglycerides present in your blood. Ideally, you want to see low levels of these triglycerides in your blood. This is because high triglyceride levels could lead to you developing heart disease.
• The experts believe that drinking a fatty acid supplement on a daily basis will help to relieve stiffness and pain in your joints. This means that you will experience relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, omega-3’s could potentially help certain anti-inflammatory medications work more effectively.
• According to recent research, it has been found that individuals with higher levels of omega-3’s were less likely to be depressed. Additionally, omega-3’s may boost the effectiveness of antidepressants. Finally, Omega 3’s help to relieve the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial of the development of visual and neurological structures in the brain of infants in the womb.
• An omega-3 rich diet reduces inflammation and some studies have found that the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids could potentially improve the pulmonary lung function in individuals who suffer from asthma while also decreasing their need for medication.
• Children who suffer from ADHD or learning difficulties may benefit significantly from taking an omega-3 supplement.
• Some studies suggests that omega-3s may help protect against cognitive diseases and disorders such as  Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Research also suggests that Omega 3 has a positive effect on mental decline and memory loss which is linked to aging.

Good Sources Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

You can take a supplement that is especially formulated to meet your daily requirements for Omega-3’s. However, it is always better to get your nutrients in through your diet. You should try to eat foods that are rich in omega-3’s at least two to three times each week. The following foods are incredibly rich in Omega-3 fatty acids:

• Anchovies
• Bluefish
• Herring
• Mackerel
• Salmon (bear in mind that wild salmon always contains more omega-3 than farmed salmon)
• Sardines
• Sturgeon
• Lake trout
• Tuna