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What is Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that our body’s can not produce, so the only way to obtain Omega-3 fatty acids is through the consumption of foods or supplements. Omega-3 offers many benefits and our body can’t produce it, makes it a great supplement choice. The notable Omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

The Benefits of Omega-3
Omega-3 offers a long list of benefits to your health that most anyone can take advantage of and I’ve listed some of the major ones here:

• Higher HDL Cholesterol (the good one)
• Lower LDL Cholesterol ( the bad kind)
• Lowers lipids in bloodstream (fatty substance in your bloodstream)
• Lowers blood pressure to a certain extent
• Prevents excessive blood clotting
• Reduces risk of heart disease
• Promotes joint health and decreases inflammation

Omega-3 Sources
Omega-3 fatty acids are readily available in a variety of foods and supplements, so there shouldn’t be any excuses not to get your Omega-3. Here are just some of the foods where you can you get your Omega-3 from:

• Omega-3 in fatty fish: salmon, tuna, and trout
• Omega-3 in oils: canola, soybean, flax seed, and olive
• Other Omega-3 sources: walnuts and mustard seeds

If you don’t think your diet is rich enough in Omega-3s, the other option would be supplements, which should easily get you a healthy dose of Omega-3.

Omega-3 Supplements
Supplements make it easy to get your Omega-3 fatty acids and two common Omega-3 fatty acids supplements that are readily available are fish oil and flax seed pills. It’s a simple pill and you can take advantage of the power of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 is Good for You
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for you, so if you’re not reaping the benefits of Omega-3 there are many ways to do so, either through foods or supplementation. Your body can’t produce Omega-3 fatty acids which makes it all the more important as a supplement choice and take the path to a healthier life.

*This article is for informational purposes only, always use supplements with caution, follow supplement directions, and consult a physician if you’re unsure about anything.

**More information on Omega-3 is available at umm.edu and MayoClinic.com

References

University of Maryland Medical Center – www.umm.edu
Omega 3-Fatty Acids – Accessed 4/15/2008
url: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm

MayoClinic.com
Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid – Accessed 4/15/2008
url: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fish-oil/NS_patient-fishoil