When it comes to staying healthy, you should look for ways to get the biggest bang for your buck. Exercise falls into this good-for-everything category. So does stress relief.
And so does omega-3.
Found in marine animals as well as certain plants, the omega-3 fatty acids—particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—have been found to play a role in numerous bodily processes, making them a crucial nutritional path to optimal wellness.
Good All Over
Omega-3 fats are versatile because they are crucial to the health of cell membranes.
Membranes that function poorly keep cells from fully serving their purpose.
On the other hand, “when you have healthy cell membranes, the cells are able to communicate more consistently with each other,” says naturopathic doctor Keri Marshall, ND. “Every cell membrane is made of lipids. They are highly dependent on what type of fat we consume on a regular basis.”
Omegas Out of Balance
A big problem is that the ratio between omega-6 fats, which are often found in processed foods, and omega-3s has become skewed.Our ancient ancestors ate both types in an optimal 1:1 ratio; now it’s more than 10:1.
Besides increased consumption of packaged and fast foods, “much of the meat we eat nowadays is grain-fed,” says Keri Glassman, RD, CDN, author ofThe New You and Improved Diet (Rodale). “Grass-fed animals have much better omega-6 to omega-3 ratios.”
All of this helps explain why eating more omega-3s from sources such as fatty fish (and through supplementation) is so crucial for health.
Heart of the Matter
The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the cardiovascular system have been extensively studied—leading to omega-3's endorsement by the American Heart Association.†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Omega-3 fats help the head as well as the heart.
“I like to think of omega-3s as ‘brain boosters,’” says Glassman.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Better Vision and Other Benefits
Another part of the body for which omega-3 seems to have a special affinity is the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that translates images into electric signals and sends them along to the brain.
DHA accounts for between 50% and 60% of the fatty acids in rod outer segments (ROS), key components in the retinal cells responsible for low-light vision.
Scientists keep finding other ways that omega-3 fats may enhance well-being: These fats may, among other things, play roles in maintaining bone and kidney health.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Getting to the gym and learning to chill? That’s great—but don’t forget to add omega-3 to your wellness checklist.
†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described.
The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
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**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
