Let’s face it. Some omega 3 sources are plentiful. Others are limited. You see, there are several different long chained omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and they are present in different foods.
The most abundant is alpha-linolenic acid or ALA. It is found in plant foods, vegetable oils, nuts, olives and edible seeds.
ALA is still listed as the only “essential” omega-3 in some books, because the human body can convert it into the others. But, most scientists, researchers and other experts have come to the conclusion that the conversion process is too limited to be considered efficient.
A person might not suffer from an obvious disease if they consumed only ALA, but they would likely suffer from long-term health problems and minor or major unexplained illnesses, including emotional disorders like depression.
Children are more likely to suffer from attention deficit disorders and learning problems if their only dietary omega-3 is ALA. They are also more likely to suffer from allergies and asthma, if their mother does not have a healthy intake of all of the different sources of omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy.
Research has proven that Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the longest of the long-chained polyunsaturated fats, is essential for normal brain development during infancy and early childhood. That’s why most infant formulas and a number of baby foods are fortified with DHA.
It is estimated that the body can convert between 2-5% of ALA consumed into DHA, but that is only an estimate. It is believed that some people may lack the innate ability to convert any ALA to DHA. It is known that supplemental ALA does not correct low blood levels of DHA.
So, relying on the conversion process and consuming only omega 3 sources that provide ALA is a mistake. DHA is not the only important fatty acid. Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA is important, too. Both are necessary for normal brain function and the repair of cellular membranes. So, where do you find EPA and DHA?
The only good source of both is fish. Some types of seafood are good choices, too. But, you’ll need to do a little research when planning your meals, because some species, shrimp for example, contains no omega-3s, at all. Others, such as salmon, tuna, sardines and hoki, will provide enough omega-3s to meet your body’s minimum daily requirements and then some.
In addition to include more of the sources of omega 3 in your diet, researchers recommend reducing your intake of omega-6s and saturated fats. The easiest way to do that is through substitution.
- Stay away from corn, peanut, sunflower and grape seed.
- Substitute fish and seafood for other kinds of meat
Those are just two suggestions, but they are probably the two most important ones.
Bottom line, if you don’t care for fish or seafood, fish oil supplements are good omega 3 sources. They are tasteless and odorless. Taking one or two capsules per day will insure that your brain gets enough EPA and DHA to function normally and that your heart will stay healthy.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health. Article Source:
