What’s all the hype with Fish Oils?
Why do I need EPA and DHA?
The short answer is that EPA and DHA are specific types of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. Our bodies cannot produce these essential fatty acids – we must therefore get them from the food we eat, or via supplementation.
The short answer is that EPA and DHA are specific types of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. Our bodies cannot produce these essential fatty acids – we must therefore get them from the food we eat, or via supplementation.
Where do Omega-3 fatty acids come from?Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the green leaves of plants, like grass, phytoplankton, algae and seaweed. We can find them in our diet through grass-fed beef, pastured organic eggs, and most importantly, certain types of fish (wild-caught fish and fish lower on the food chain, like herring, anchovy, sardine and mackerel). Good, natural sources of omega-3′s; unfortunately, due to poor meat quality, and over-consumption of fast foods, processed foods, and vegetable oils, most of our diets are lacking in these essential fatty acids.
Why can’t I just eat grass or seaweed to get
my omega-3′s?
First, we don’t have the ability to digest grass properly. Moving on, omega-3′s are a family of fatty acids, and the “parent” molecule is called alpha-linolenic acid (abbreviated as LNA or ALA). The ALA from plants is converted by animals or fish to the potent anti-inflammatory omega-3′s called EPA and DHA by a long conversion process. Only a small percentage of ALA can be converted to EPA and DHA. Fish (and to a much lesser degree, land animals) do the metabolic work to convert the plant-based ALA into concentrated EPA and DHA. Fish oil is already a concentrated source of EPA and DHA, which is why fish oil has such potent anti-inflammatory properties.
First, we don’t have the ability to digest grass properly. Moving on, omega-3′s are a family of fatty acids, and the “parent” molecule is called alpha-linolenic acid (abbreviated as LNA or ALA). The ALA from plants is converted by animals or fish to the potent anti-inflammatory omega-3′s called EPA and DHA by a long conversion process. Only a small percentage of ALA can be converted to EPA and DHA. Fish (and to a much lesser degree, land animals) do the metabolic work to convert the plant-based ALA into concentrated EPA and DHA. Fish oil is already a concentrated source of EPA and DHA, which is why fish oil has such potent anti-inflammatory properties.
I love Omega-3 Fish oil because EPA and DHA
are natural anti-inflammatory agents, and as such, play an important role in reducing
joint inflammation which is a great benefit for anyone with arthritis like me.
But that said, it’s also crucial for brain health, heart health, protection
against cancer, Alzheimer’s and depression, improvement of skin conditions like
psoriasis and acne, fetal brain development, inflammatory bowel disorders, and vision,
just to name a few.
If you’d like to learn more about the health
benefits of Omega-3 Fish oil, Please visit the Nordic Naturals Omega research link below. NN has created this wonderful website that contains
hundreds of research studies categorized for convenience. They keep it updated
with lots of current research - so by
all means go check it out.
