Omega-3 makes a difference

There has been a lot of press about Omega-3 and it's no wonder. Not only does your body need these essential fatty acids, but studies have shown that a diet containing Omega-3 may:

• Reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and hypertension.
• Enhance brain development in children.
• Reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer's disease.
• Promote learning and prevent depression.

A little more about fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are building blocks for eicosanoids. They help build hormones like prostaglandins and are involved in the formation of cell membranes. They may reduce blood clotting, aid in wound healing and reduce inflammation. We call them "essential" because humans and animals need them to live a healthy life. They cannot be made in our bodies hence we rely on external sources.

The two principle omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with respect to health benefits are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Fish and vegetable oils are sources for unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Fish oils like the ones found in Atlantic Salmon are rich in EPA and DHA and ready to be absorbed by the body whereas Omega-3 fatty acids from vegetable sources need to be converted into EPA and DHA in the body before they can be converted into beneficial eicosanoids.

¹ Study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by Dariush Mozaffarian, an instructor in epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and in medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Fish Intake, Contaminants, and Human Health — Evaluating the Risks and the Benefits Dariush Mozafarian, MD, DrPH: Eric B. Rimm, ScD Journal of the American Medical Association 2006; 296:1885-1899