Omega 3 Facts
Omega 3 – Deficiency
Omega 3 fish oil is being talked about and prescribed by health professionals. What are these omega 3s? Omega 3 belongs to a family of polyunsaturated fats that are not produced by our body in sufficient quantities. But these fats are essential for our health. They are an important constituent of our cell membranes and help us in various important bodily functions.
In their expansion form, Omega 3 comprises of Docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) and Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). DHA is useful as building block of our brain cells and forms approximately 8% of our brain by weight. EPA is an important nutrient that regulates communication between the brain and our nerve cells.
Why are Omega 3 fatty acids important for our health?
Essential Fats play a major role in the body functions. Omega 3 does the following:
* Boosts energy, stamina and performance by building muscle, preventing muscular breakdown and easy recovery from fatigue.
* Fortifies immune system that regulates immunity and has anti –inflammatory effects thus slowing down autoimmune damages.
* Reduces most of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. They are well known for lowering high levels blood pressure, triglycerides and fibrinogen.
* Enhances brain function related to mood, intelligence, behavior and vision.
* Helps in weight loss.
* Regulates organs and glands that produce various hormones.
* Promotes speedy recovery and healing and regulates vital cell activities.
* Essential for healthy development in a child.
* Improves digestion.
* Fights against infections.
* Strengthens bones and the list goes on and on…
Various studies suggest that about 85 percent of the western population is deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 deficiencies is even more prevalent in vegetarians since they do not consume the major sources of omega –3 fatty acids which are present in cold-water fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel.
What are the symptoms of Omega 3 deficiencies?
Omega 3 deficiencies lead to a lot of physical and mental ailments. There is a long list of afflictions associated with deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids such as acne, allergies, Alzheimer’s, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, eczema, hyperactivity, immune deficient disorders, etc…
Common Symptoms of omega 3 deficiencies are:
o Excessive fatigue
o Lack of motor coordination skills
o Mental disorders
o Vision problems
o Growth retardation, etc.
On the other hand, consuming omega 3 has been shown to reverse these symptoms and improve overall health conditions. Omega 3 deficiency symptoms are many but the single cure for all of them is consuming a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids. The main sources of Omega 3 include fatty fishes such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and Hoki. For vegetarians main sources of omega 3 are green leafy vegetables such as spinach, flaxseed oil and canola oil and hemp seeds.