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What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids? What is Omega 3?

This grouping of good fatty acids includes alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Certain plants contain ALA, which then get converted to EPA and then DHA in the body. The oils of certain fish contain preformed EPA and DHA. This means that it has already gone through some of the steps to get to the format that our body needs. EPA and DHA are the most desirable forms of Omega 3's, because in essence, our body needs to do less work to use them. DHA is converted into anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.

Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids Food Sources:
Cold water fish and seafood (Choose wild seafood when possible)
Herring
Salmon
Tuna
Cod
Mackeral
Shrimp
Flaxseeds and Flaxseed oils are the richest source of alpha linolenic acid, which can be converted into EPA and DHA. The other aspect to consider is that the body must “work” to convert the ALA into EPA and DHA. The efficiency of this process (and the end result of how much EPA & DHA your body will create from the ALA) will depend on other health and environmental factors like toxins, smoking, and medications.

Note from Jennifer: Flaxseeds must be ground for the body to get the nutrients, because our stomach cannot break down the shell, if it is not cracked by our teeth. Choose a brand that has been cold-milled as the heat will oxidize the delicate alpha-linolenic acid, which can form damaging free radicals. While the ground flaxseeds are also a great source of fibre, you would need to eat a lot of flaxseeds to get enough ALA, to meet your Omega 3 requirements. Flaxseed oil would be the better choice, if the goal is to increase your Omega 3's.

Source:
The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book- Using Supplements for Optimal Health (2nd Edition), by Dr. Shari Lieberman, PhD and Nancy Bruning. Published by Avery Publishing Group, New York in 1997.

Related Links:
Go Wild -- At the Fish Counter by Randy Hartnell on Chet Day's Health & Beyond website www.chetday.com