About Omega 3 and benefit
omega-3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fats that are not made by the body and must be obtained from a person's food.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the ways in which omega-3 fatty acids may reduce cardiovascular disease are still being studied. However, the AHA indicates that research as shown that omega-3 fatty acids:
- decrease the risk of arrthythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
- decrease triglyceride levels
- decrease the growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
- lower blood pressure slightly
In fact, numerous studies show that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids not only lowers bad cholesterol, known as LDL, but also lowers triglycerides, the fatty material that circulates in the blood. Interestingly, researchers have found that the cholesterol levels of Inuit Eskimos tend to be quite good, despite the fact that they have a high fat diet. The reason for this, research has found, is that their diet is high in fatty fish, which is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. The same has often been said about the typical Mediterranean-style diet.
About Omega 6 and benefits
Omega-6 fatty acids are one of two groups of essential fatty acids (EFAs) that are required in human nutrition. (The other is the omega-3 fatty acid group.) Omega-6 fatty acids include linoleic acid and its derivatives. Essential means that these fatty acids must be consumed in the diet because humans cannot manufacture them from other dietary fats or nutrients, nor can they be stored in the body. They must be consumed daily to meet the body's requirements. They are macronutrients, required in amounts of grams per day (compared to micronutrients such as vitamins, which are required in milligrams per day). EFAs provide energy and are also components of nerve cells, cellular membranes, and are converted to hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins.
In the body, prostaglandins and EFAs are necessary for normal physiology, including:
* producing steroids and synthesizing hormones
* regulating pressure in the eye, joints, and blood vessels
* mediating immune response
* regulating bodily secretions and their viscosity
* dilating or constricting blood vessels
* regulating collateral circulation
* directing endocrine hormones to their target cells
* regulating smooth muscles and autonomic reflexes
* being primary constituents of cell membranes
* regulating the rate of cell division
* maintaining the fluidity and rigidity of cellular membranes
* regulating the inflow and out-flux of substances into and out of cells
* transporting oxygen from red blood cells to the tissues
* maintaining proper kidney function and fluid balance
* keeping saturated fats mobile in the blood stream
* preventing blood cells from clumping together (conglomeration, which is the cause of atherosclerotic plaque, and blood clots, can be a cause of stroke)
* mediating the release of inflammatory substances from cells that may trigger allergic conditions
* regulating nerve transmission and communication
* being the primary energy source for the heart muscle
About Omega 9 and benefits
Omega-9 is a family of fatty acids which includes two major fatty acids called stearic acid and oleic acid. Stearic acid is a saturated fat which can be converted to oleic acid, which is monounsaturated. Oleic acid is the most abundant fatty acid found in nature and the primary oil produced by skin glands.
Omega-9 is a nonessential fatty acid, since it is produced naturally by the body. It does not need to be supplemented. Omega-9 is mainly used when there is an insufficiency of either omega-3, omega-6 or both. When the body doesn't have enough omega-3 or omega-6, it tries to compensate by producing omega-9 fatty acids to take their place. Omega-9 derivatives aren't as effective as omega-3 or omega-6 though and our health will eventually suffer.
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