Omega 3s are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids. There are three types of omega 3 essential fatty acids and your body benefits greatly by having all of these omega 3s to help perform different functions. The three types of omega 3s are:

  • Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): EPA is usually found in fish and fish oil.
  • Docosahexanoic Acid (DHA): DHA is important to your body, and is also found mainly in fish.
  • Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): ALA is found mostly in seeds, vegetable oils, and leafy green vegetables. It is converted into EPA and then into DHA in your body.

Omega 3s are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids and they are found in various foods such as oily fish – mackerel, herring, sardines and salmon. It is important to keep in mind that fish can be contaminated with mercury and PCBs, so make sure that you choose safe types of fish. Omega 3 can also be found in non-fish sources as well and those would include fortified foods such as eggs, bread, juice, dark green vegetables, walnuts and flax-seed oils.

While there are three types of omega 3s, there has been special attention brought to the omega 3 fish oil in medical news reports over the past few years.  The reports say that you should take fish oil if you are pregnant, if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, if you have a bad heart, and the list goes on. Here are some things studies have shown:

  • It has been found that omega 3 helps to lower triglycerides, which are know to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, by 20% to 50%.
  • Fish oils have been shown to help lower cases of high blood pressure due to cardiovascular disease.
  • It helps to reduce high cholesterol.
  • Several studies report that in people with a history of heart attack, that regularly eat oily fish or take fish oil supplements reduce the risk of heart rhythm problems, heart attack, and sudden death. A large Japanese study showed 19% fewer heart-related events (like a heart attack) in adults taking a fish oil supplement plus a statin drug, compared with those taking only a statin. (Statins are drugs that lower cholesterol levels in people with or at risk of cardiovascular disease).
  • Fish oils with omega 3 help to prevent blood clots, help stimulate your blood circulation and help you to avoid issues such as varicose veins.
  • Many studies have shown that fish oils improve your brain function.
  • A lack of omega 3 has been linked to depression - fish oils are known to benefit you greatly if you suffer from depression.
  • Taking fish oil with omega 3 while pregnant may help the baby with brain development, form the retinas and helps develop the nervous system. My doctor had me take flax-seed oil and fish oil with omega 3. It is key to the well-being and healthy development of the baby while in the womb.

If you are not taking fish oil with omega 3, you may want to think about doing so…especially if you are suffering from any of the above conditions. Fish oil with omega 3 now comes in prescription form. If you buy it over the counter, however, remember that  fish oil comes from real fish and mercury content is something to consider – stick with a name brand and ask your doctor what they would recommend for you. Remember to always check with your doctor before using supplements because some can interact with other drugs you take. Some women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take supplements other than prenatal vitamins unless their doctor recommends them to.                            

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