Omega Oils : Why Fatty Acids are Essential
Introduction: Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are divided into two groups, namely Omega-3 and Omega-6. All essential fatty acids are naturally polyunsaturated, and the 3 or 6 denotes their chemical structure.
Essential Fatty Acids cannot be manufactured by the
body and have to be acquired by diet and supplementation.
Omega-3 are fish or plant-derived oils which have been the subject of a multitude of scientific studies. They not only promote cardiovascular health, but also mood and cognition, as well as skin health. Omega-3 oils act by expanding blood vessels to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and lower blood triglyceride levels.
Omega-6 oils are only derived from plants. They are involved in a complex interaction that leads to the production of prostoglandins in the body. The body uses prostoglandins to control inflammation, dilate blood vessels, regulate hormones & immune function.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 work best when taken in balance. Typical Western diets contains
large amounts of Linoleic Acid omega 6, but not enough of the other Omega 6 oils and very little Omega-3. The ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 should be about 2:1
| Omega-3 Plant Oils |
Omega-3 Fish Oils |
Omega-6 Plant Oils |
ALA or LNA*
Alpha linolenic acid
| DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid
EPA
Eicosapentaenoic acid
| LA
Linoleic Acid
CLA
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
GLA
Gamma Linoleic Acid
|
Flaxseed oil, Black Currant oil
*the body converts ALA into EPA and DHA
| Oily fish - salmon, cod, halibut, fresh tuna, mackerel.
| vegetable oils eg corn oil (LA)
Safflower oil (CLA)
Borage (starflower oil), Evening primrose & blackcurrant (GLA
|
Omega oils & Cardio-Vascular Health: Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils help reduce the levels of other, undesirable fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides.
There is also some evidence to show that the omega-3s can protect against thrombotic stroke by promoting healthy blood flow. Omega-3s are also helpful in maintaining blood circulation to the extremities and delay spasm of the blood vessels.
reduces blood triglycerides & cholesterol
lowers high blood pressure
inhibits atherosclerotic plaque
increases arterial elasticity
reduces blood viscosity
Omega oils & Developmental, Behavioural, Cognitive & Mood Health: About 30% of the dry weight of the brain is comprised of EFAs. A dietary supply of omega oils is crucial for brain cell functionand revitalisation of nerves.
Known to be essential to brain development during the last three months of pregnancy, the omega-3 fatty acids continue to play a major mood and cognitive health role at every stage of life.
stabilises mood and bipolar depression
improves cognition & memory in Seniors
enhances learning & attention in children
improves dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and dyspraxia
Omega oils and Inflammatory Health: The body's inflammatory response is intimately regulated by Omega-3s, makes it an essential fatty acid for a range of inflammatory health problems
reduces joint pain and stiffness in arthritis -switches off the collagen-degrading enzymes that break down joint cartilage. Consumption of Omega-6 GLA has also
resulted in an improvement in rheumatoid arthritis
symptom reduction in inflammatory bowel diseases e.g. Crohn's & Ulcertive Colitis
Omega oils & Hormonal Health: Omega-3 and GLA Omega-6 oils have an important hormone balancing
effect and anti-clotting action
improves calcium metabolism in osteoporosis & post menopausal bone loss
helps control symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) & dysmennorhoea
anti-cholesterol & lowers PSA levels for prostate health
Omega oils & Metabolic Health: Omega-3
and Omega-6 CLA (Conjugated Lioleic Acid) act as a partitioning agent by mobilising fat out of the fat cells and decrease fat uptake into those cells
promotes weight loss
by increasing metabolism of brown adipose tissue
glucose & insulin metabolism
Omega oils & Skin Health:
Omega 3 & Omega-6 GLA give skin and hair cells greater fluidity and flexibility. The skin’s cutaneous permeability barrier is maintained, thus preventing trans-dermal water loss that results in dry skin.
reduces dry, flaky symptoms of psoriasis & eczema, and dermatitis
Omega oils & Visual Health: Known to be essential to vision development during the last three months of pregnancy. Omega-3 DHA is found in very high concentrations in the cell membranes of the retina and plays an important role in the regeneration of the visual pigment rhodopsin.
retinopathies
dry eye syndrome
NutriWorld stock: Omega-3 Fish Oils | Omega-3-6-9 Plant oils | Super Omega-3-6-9 Fish & Plant oils
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