What is omega 3, 6, 9 good for? You have probably heard of these groups of fatty acids at some point in your life and you have probably wondered what omega 3, 6, 9 is good for and why is it important for good health?
The main difference among these three is their molecular structure. Each one works in different ways to help promote a healthy body which is why it is crucial to get the right balance of each of these for the best health effects. Most diets actually consist of more omega 6 and omega 9 while being low in omega 3.
So what is omega 3, 6, 9 good for? Let us take a closer look at each one.
Omega 3
Omega 3 acids are generally considered to be the most important among the three. One of the reasons for this is the anti inflammatory property of omega 3 which can help protect the body from a variety of degenerative diseases.
There are three types of omega 3 fatty acids, namely ALA, DHA, and EPA. DHA and EPA are considered to be the most important omega 3 fatty acids but the only food source with sufficient amounts of DHA and EPA are fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and herring which a lot of people don’t eat regularly. Fishoil supplements may also be taken to provide the body with DHA and EPA omega 3.
Omega 6
Omega 6 fatty acids counter the anti inflammatory effects of omega 3. It generally increases the inflammation process which is associated with heart disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other degenerative conditions.
Omega 6 acids include linoleic acid, gamma linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid. Omega 6 can be obtained from different vegetable oils like corn oil and canola oil which is why a lot of people get omega 6 in excess.
Omega 9
Omega 9 is considered to be the most abundant fatty acid. It is produced by the body and it can also be obtained through diet. Omega 9 can be obtained from animal fats as well as vegetable oils, most specifically olive oil. Omega 9 fatty acids include oleic acid, mead acid, and erotic acid.
Now that you know what omega 3, 6, 9 is good for, make it a point not only to provide your body with each of these fatty acids but to balance them as well so that you can have a healthy body.
Algae often grow in the most extreme of habitats, but most commonly in the water and in wet areas. Speak with any marine expert and they’ll be quick to tell you that algae are capable of living in habitats where few other organisms could survive so long as there is sunlight and adequate moisture. This is perhaps why looking in freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, swamps, on moist soil, wood, and throughout the sunlit zones of the marine environment, as well as on the snowfields and glaciers of Antarctica and in thermal hot springs at Yellowstone National Park, you couldn’t go wrong trying to find algae.
But what makes algae most remarkable is that they contain all kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, the kind of fatty acid that has well documented health benefits. These long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with a double bond at the third carbon include DHA and EPA, docosahexanoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, both well known for their contribution to the reduction of cardiovascular disease as well as their other health benefits.
Other sources from which these omega-3 fatty acids can be gotten include fishoils, seeds, and whole grains. Actually, the fish in the sea and in cold waters that feed on the algae synthesize the chemicals and store them in the oils under their skin, where the omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly obtained from.
The other health benefits alluded to in the earlier paragraph include the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of such conditions as high cholesterol, heart disease, and arthritis. Look around you and you will soon learn that rapid aging is frequently the result of scaring and reactions to various health conditions, which is why combating the diseases by either curing them early or completely preventing them is one of the best ways to slow down your aging process.
There are countless people in and around your area that are not only afraid to die but also to grow old because of the many negative connotations that go with it. However, if only they can indulge in all of these sources of omega-3 fatty acids, they could reverse that fear entirely. As a matter of fact, they could start directly feeding on algae themselves in the many forms in which the sea kelp is harvested and prepared, such as in various soups, sushi, and suchlike. A regular Asian person should be able to educate you well enough on this new diet, especially since algae and microalgae are regular staples in oriental diet. Just visit Japan, China, or Korea and you will see.
The omega 3 fatty acids are key elements in the good functioning of the human body. The smallest and the most important part of our body, the cells, are surrounded by a cell membrane. This membrane is composed mainly of fatty acids. The cellular membrane has a vital role in the cell’s life, as it allows nutrients into the cell itself. In the same manner, it allows the quick removal of cell waste products. The cell membrane has to be integer and flexible to permit these substance changes.
If the cell’s membrane loses its integrity, it will not be able to hold water and nutrients. The cellular membrane allows for communication between cells, keeping body organs in good shape. If the membrane begins to lose its integrity, the cell will not be able to communicate with other cells. Scientists believe that one of the factors which favor the rapid growth of cancerous tumors is the loss of inter-cellular communication.
There is a close relationship between the types of fat we eat and the integrity and fluidity of cell membranes, as the membrane is made up of fats. One of the differences between the two types of fats, the omega 3 fatty acids and the saturated/hydrogenated fats is the way they behave at room temperature: the omega 3 fats are liquid in these conditions, while the hydrogenated fats are solid. Due to this reason, if you eat for a long period of time – many saturated fats, chances are that your cell membrane will be harder and will lack fluidity, whereas a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids will lead to more fluid cell membranes.
Recent studies have concluded that the omega 3 fatty acids play an important role in preventing breast cancer development. The November 2005 edition of the International Journal of Cancer publishes the results of the latest in vitro tests which show that when present in the cell membrane, omega 3 fatty acids help protect against breast cancer development. The study recommends adding cold water fish to your diet, as they are extremely rich in DHA and EPA, the most important omega 3 fatty acids.
Tests performed on lab rats previously implanted with breast cancer and which were given rich omega 3 aliments (fishoil) showed that their tumors have been reduced by as much as 20 to 25%.
Smoked Salmon Recommended By The American Heart Association
By now, everyone has heard that smoked salmon is a delicious addition to any meal But did you know all of the benefits of this fantastic fish? Whether smoked salmon has been hot or cold smoked or even cured, the healthy nutrients inside are priceless to the human body.
Studies have shown that smoked salmon can help fight off coronary heart disease due to the Omega-3 oils it contains. These oils can decrease blood lipids, increase relaxation in large arteries and other blood vessels, and can also decrease vascular system blood clotting as well as inflammatory processes in blood vessels. There have also been recent studies that which show that besides lowering the risk of heart disease, smoked salmon has also been known to help individuals who have asthma, psoriasis, certain cancers and arthritis.
Smoked salmon is also high in Vitamin E, which is also a great antioxidant. Vitamin E can reduce or lower the risk of heart disease and has also been shown to play a protective role against cancer as well.
For all of you watching your weight, most smoked salmon versions are also very low in carbohydrates. With some types of smoked salmon containing zero carbs total. A healthy diet containing smoked salmon to help you lose weight as being another great way to cut your risk of heart disease. So, the next time you are evaluating your diet and/or your health, know that you can include smoked salmon as a great way to protect you against such dangers to your well being as heart disease.
Getting Your Omega-3 From Smoked Salmon
There couldn’t be an easier or more delicious way of getting your Omega-3, than eating smoked salmon. Omega-3 has been shown in several studies to greatly reduce the risk of sudden death and abnormal heart rhythms. Also Omega-3 protects against heart disease by lowering blood triglycerides and preventing blood clotting.
Smoked Salmon Delivered offers you Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon which is the most beneficial salmon available. The American Heart Association Dietary Guidelines strongly suggest Americans to eat fatty fish, such as smoked salmon at least twice a week because of the high content of Omega-3.
The medical benefits you gain from eating smoked salmon goes on. Eating smoked salmon can significantly reduce men’s chances of developing prostate cancer by 40 percent. Women are rapidly joining the ranks with their male counter parts when it comes to developing heart disease. Consuming smoked salmon at least two to four times per week reduce their chances of dying with a heart attack by 30 percent. Consuming smoked salmon can reduce a man’s chances of having the most common stroke by 40 percent. Eating smoked salmon can deter depression in pregnant women. The benefits of eating smoked salmon promote a healthier brain.
As you can plainly see consuming smoked salmon can offer health benefits for men and women alike. Smoked Salmon Delivered can help you get on the road to better health, and assist you in reducing your risk getting many life threatening diseases.
Don’t Worry About Mercury With Smoked Salmon
Did you know that you can eat smoked salmon without all of the worry about mercury? Most deep water fish such as swordfish, shark, large tuna and marlin are known to accumulate high levels of contaminants. Contaminants such as mercury can be dangerous as they become concentrated within the fish and are toxins to the human body when consumed. Wild salmon such as is used in smoked salmon, has consistently had negligible mercury levels in EPA studies.
Smoked salmon can be considered as one of the best choices as highly recommended seafood to add much needed nutrients to your diet. Smoked salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids. These miracle nutrients are known to help prevent blood clots from developing and also promote a healthy, steady heart rhythm.
Not only is smoked salmon free of the worries of mercury and we have heard about all of the health benefits, it is also extremely tasty. Smoked salmon can be added to just about any dish you wish to prepare from salads and soups. Ethnic dishes such as Mexican, Italian and Chinese dish sparkle when you add smoked salmon. Not only is it versatile, the lack of contaminants in this fine fish make it a confident choice to feed your family.
In addition to preparing meals with this wonderful fish, you can also be proud to give it as a gift. Smoked salmon is not only affordable, it comes in a variety of packages and it makes a unique gift.
Visit http://www.smokedsalmondelivered.com for more information.
There are health benefits of cod liver oil and there are drawbacks. Cod liver oil benefits may not outweigh the risks. The primary benefit of cod liver oil is related to its omega-3 content, but fishoils derived from the flesh of fish, rather than the liver, provide that benefit without the risks.
The health benefits of cod liver oil are related, primarily to omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential for the healthy function of the brain, the heart, the joints, the digestive system and many other systems of the body. Another benefit of cod liver oil is related to its vitamin E content, which helps the body process the fatty acids, is an essential antioxidant and promotes the health of the skin and the hair.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids/Benefits of Cod Liver Oil
Omega-3s are essential to human health, cannot be produced inside the body, and so, must be obtained from food or through supplementation. The best know source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish. Some fish contain more omega 3s than others.
There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids that have been identified as essential for human health. They are Docosahexaenoic Acid or DHA and Eicosapentaenoic Acid or EPA. These are found primarily in fish. The body can convert another omega-3 fatty acid, known as Alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, to DHA and EPA, but the process is relatively inefficient. It is believed that one would have to consume a great deal of ALA in order to get the health benefits provided by DHA and EPA.
The omega-3 found in flax seed oil is ALA. And some believe that flax seed oil can provide cod liver oil benefits, without the risks, but this is debatable. Although there are no risks associated with flax seed oil, it is unknown if ALA provides the same health benefits as DHA and EPA.
The Risks
Cod liver oil contains large amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D and may contain contaminants such as mercury and pesticides. The body needs adequate amounts of vitamin A, but large amounts can be toxic. Vitamin D is not commonly found in natural foods, but many processed foods are fortified with vitamin D to ensure good nutrition.
At one time the benefits of cod liver oil were believed to be associated with its vitamin A and D content. This was before omega-3 fatty acids had been identified and before food fortification was a common practice. It was also before taking daily multi-vitamins became a common practice and before industrial pollutants had contaminated our oceans.
Vitamin D
While no tolerable upper limit for vitamin D consumption has been established, adequate intake for adults, under the age of 50, and children is believed to be around 200 units per day. Adults over 50 should increase consumption to 400 units per day for men and 600 units per day for women. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to process calcium and is therefore a factor in preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone health. However, one of the popular cod liver oil products contains 4000 to 5000 units of vitamin D per teaspoon, more than anyone needs on a daily basis.
Vitamin A
A tolerable upper limit for vitamin A has been established. The maximum amount of vitamin A that a 25 year old man should consumer per day is 10,000 IU. Women should consume less than half that amount. Women who are pregnant should avoid dietary supplements that contain vitamin A because of the risk of birth defects. While vitamin A is necessary for fetal development and overall good health, it is stored in the fat cells and there is a great risk of over supplementation. Excess consumption of vitamin A is also believed to contribute to osteoporosis.
One of the popular cod liver oil products contains 4000-5000 IU of vitamin A, per teaspoon. When added to the amount that may be present in other dietary supplements, as well as the food that a person consumes per day, it will put most people over the safe upper limit for vitamin A. While the benefit of cod liver oil for supplying essential omega 3s is known, it is unknown if excess consumption of vitamin A will counteract those effects.
A better choice for vitamin A supplementation is beta carotene and other carotenoids. Present in the better daily dietary supplements, carotenoids are converted by the body to vitamin A on an as-needed basis and are not associated with the negative effects of “pre-formed” vitamin A. The only known side effect of excess consumption of carotenoids is a yellowing of the skin, called carotenosis, which is not dangerous, but may be undesirable.
Alternatives
Fishoil derived from the flesh of fish does not contain the vitamins A and D. Those vitamins are usually present in adequate amounts in daily multi-vitamins and fortified foods. Though extra vitamin D supplementation is often recommended for persons over the age of 50, it is not a benefit of cod liver oil and there are better choices for vitamin D supplementation.
From an environmental standpoint, over harvesting of the cod fish has led to the depletion of many populations. Farms affect the health of wild fish. The equipment used for harvesting damages the habitat of other water dwelling life forms. Although there are cod liver oil benefits, these health benefits can be obtained from other sources that do not cause damage to our environment.
You can get the health benefits of cod liver oil by taking fishoil supplements derived from the flesh, rather than the liver of fish. To learn more, please visit the FishOil Guide.
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