
Pure Omega 3 is most readily obtained from fish oil and oily fish best of all. Other good sources of pure Omega
3 are grass-fed animal fat the most readily available of which is beef. The real trick is to eat the correct
balance of Omega 6 and Omega 3. The traditional ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 used to be between 4:1 and 1:2, but
dietary changes in the modern Western population have swung the ratio way out of proportion to 17:1 and even 30:1
suggesting a dire need to reduce the amount of Omega 6 in the Western diet.
Pure Omega 3
Fat but happy may not be just a cliche anymore. So called "goodfats" - especially omega-3 essential fatty acids,
found commonly in fish--are known to prevent coronary disease and boost both the immune and nervous systems. But
the good news gets better than that: these fats might even improve your brain function and put you in a better
mood--and they might do it permanently.
Pure Omega 3 is also said to reduce your chances or getting coronary heart disease and boost the immune
system.
In the 1970's, researchers studying the Inuits in Greenland noticed that, despite their huge fat intake, they
suffered practically no cardiovascular disease. This was put down to their intake of seafood. The health benefits
of these long-chain Omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) are the most well known.
These DHA and EPA pure Omega 3 fatty acids seemed top reduce the incidence of high blood pressure,
atherosclerosis and high triglycerides.
On September 8, 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave "qualified health claim" status to EPA and DHA
Omega 3 fatty acids adding that there was some evidence, though inconclusive evidence, that consumption of EPA and
DHA Omega 3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
However, the Canadian Government has recognized the importance of DHA omega-3 and allows the following
biological claim for DHA: "DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, supports the normal development of the brain, eyes and
nerves". There is some evidence that pure Omega 3 EPA is also helpful in cases of depression and anxiety
Several studies have pointed to the possible anti-cancer effects of pure Omega 3 fatty acids particularly with
regard to breast, colon and breast cancers.
Rather than taking supplements of pure Omega 3, it is better to follow a healthy diet which includes natural
sources of Omega 3. Two naturally occurring diets of this type are the fish diets of the Inuit and the Japanese and
the so-called Mediterrean diet, which includes lots of fruit and olive oil.
Eating some foodstuffs have the effect of raising Omega 3 levels. Walnuts is one of these. Walnuts also have a
very beneficial ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 at 1:4.
It is essential to try to regulate your Omega 3 and Omega 6 levels and specifically the ratio between the two
fatty acids. Due to our modern diets in the West, this ratio has changed radically. An ideal ratio is 1:4 Omega 3
to Omega 6 although lower, 1:3 would be even better, whereas a typical ratio these days is 1:17 or even 1:30.
Taking a pure Omega 3 supplement daily can restore the balance.
|