Why the buzz about Omega 3 fish oil?

by Dr. Gary Gendron, D.C., C.C.S.P., C.C.N., D.A.C.B.N.

In recent years there's been a lot of talk about the health benefits of essential fatty acids. In the 1980s it was all about Omega-6, then with the olive oil-based Mediterranean diet, Omega-9 became the rage. While Omegas 6 and 9 are still popular and beneficial to your health, today Omega-3 takes center stage and for good reason. It offers a host of benefits from head-to-toe. Unfortunately, most of us are woefully deficient in Omega-3, especially those coming from fish sources.

Could this be why you're not feeling your best?... Why things aren't working like they used to? Then read on...

The Basics of Omega-3s
Omega-3s are a group of polyunsaturated, essential fatty acids that include: alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which comes from soybeans, walnuts and flaxseed, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which come from fish.

Interest in Omega-3 from fish oil began when it was discovered that Eskimos, despite eating a lot of fats, had fewer heart concerns. Eskimos, of course, eat a lot of cold water fish.

Omega-3 from fish oil more easily converted
While it's true you can get Omega-3 ALA from plant sources like the ones just mentioned above, it appears your body's ability to convert ALA is not as effective as the Omega-3 from EPA and DHA that come from fatty fishes like salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, herring, anchovies, and mackerel.

It's believed that at one time humans were able to make the EPA and DHA conversions more efficiently, but due to our modern diet, lifestyle and the quantity of trans fats we consume from prepared, packaged and fast foods, our ability has diminished. This leaves most of us - over 90 percent - deficient and vulnerable.

What makes EPA and DHA unique is that once they're consumed, they are readily absorbed by various tissues and cell membranes where they affect a wide range of metabolic activities. Sometimes they restrain harmful activity, like fighting free radicals. Sometimes they facilitate functions to keep your healthy. For example, in the brain they affect neurodevelopment to keep your mind and memory strong. In the heart, EPA and DHA influence electrical activity to keep heart rhythms healthy. No other fatty acids show this influence. The bottom line: while Omega-3 ALA is beneficial, Omega-3 EPA and DHA are even more so.

Who should take Omega-3 fish oil supplements?

If you're concerned about your...

Heart, Immune system, Digestion, Cholesterol, Thyroid, Joints, Skin, Vision, Memory, Mood, Metabolism, Concentration, Blood Pressure, Reproductive Health...

Even if you're not a fan of fish, you can still get the life-enhancing benfits of DHA and EPA through supplements. There are a lot of them out there, and don't get confused by all the labels. Zero in on the quantity and quality.

That's why I recommend Botanic Choice's Super EPA, which includes 360 mg. of EPA and 240 mg. of DHA with every "burp-free" does. Salmon Oil and Cod Liver Oil are also great and economic alternatives. If you're looking for the ultimate in heart protection , check out my favorite, CoQ-10 with EPA & DHA (fish oil) which delivers 200 mg of fish oil plus 60 mg of heart-protecting CoQ-10.

Botanic Choice also offers vegetable-based Omega 3 supplements Omega 3-6-9 and Flaxseed Oil.

If you're going to take one supplement for good health, let it be Omega-3!