How is Omega-3 Used in the Body?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids required by the human body to perform a multitude of physiological functions. Omega-3 fatty acids, although vital to good health, are not manufactured by the body and must come from an outside source, such as food and/or nutritional supplements.
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Basics
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There are three types of compounds which make up the omega-3 fatty acid group: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
When ALA is eaten or taken in supplement form, it goes through a chemical metamorphosis in the body. ALA is changed into EPA and DHA, the forms of the essential fatty acids most readily used by the body.
Background
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Dr. Greg Fors, author of "Why We Hurt," relates that the importance of EPA and DHA in reducing inflammation and its resultant pain was first noticed when researchers studied the traditional Inuit people. Despite this group's high dietary intake of saturated fat, they had a low incidence of heart disease and diseases related to inflammation such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.
The researchers discovered that the Inuit group's high dietary intake of omega-3-rich foods protected their bodies from the usual damaging affects of a diet high in animal fat.
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Benefits
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The presence of EPA and DHA help to ensure healthy-functioning cell membranes throughout the body. The importance of this action is that a healthy cell membrane allows efficient exchange of substances both in and out of the cells.
These essential fatty acids are also precursors for prostaglandins---cell messengers which mediate inflammation.
As reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids appear in high concentrations in the brain, likely affecting cognitive functions such as memory and performance. UMMC goes on to state that pregnant women who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids may give birth to infants who develop vision and nerve problems.
Deficiencies
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Symptoms of too-few omega-3 fatty acids in the body include dry skin, poor circulation, fatigue, heart problems, mood swings and depression.
Uses
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Traditional medicine is embracing the importance of omega-3 fatty acids as more research is conducted and the many potential benefits of these essential fatty acids are understood. Currently, scientific evidence is strongest for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the area of heart disease, but other uses are also possible.
EPA and DHA have demonstrated effectiveness at lowering bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and ALA has demonstrated effectiveness in lowering total cholesterol scores and triglycerides.
Three or more grams of daily fish-oil supplementation has been linked with successful reduction in blood pressure.
Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a reduction in the inflammatory responses of the body.
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