Omega-3 fatty acids are important fats that you simply must get from
your diet.
However, most people don't know what they are.
This article explains everything you would like to understand about omega-3
fatty acids, including their various types and the way they work.
The 3 types of omega-3
There are three main sorts of omega-3 fatty acids — ALA, DHA, and EPA.
ALA
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is that the commonest omega-3 carboxylic
acid in your diet
Your body mainly uses it for energy, but it also can be converted into the
biologically active sorts of omega-3, EPA and DHA.
However, this conversion process is inefficient. Only alittle percentage of
ALA is converted into the active forms
ALA is found in foods like flax seeds, flaxseed oil, canola oil, chia
seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and soybeans.
EPA
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is usually found in animal products, like
fatty fish and animal oil . However, some microalgae also contain EPA.
It has several functions in your body. Part of it can be converted into DHA.
DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is that the most vital omega-3 carboxylic
acid in your body.
It’s a key structural component of your brain, the retina of your eyes, and
various other body parts .
Like EPA, it occurs mainly in animal products like fatty fish and
animal oil . Meat, eggs, and dairy from grass-fed animals also tend to contain
significant amounts.
Vegetarians and vegans often lack DHA and will take microalgae
supplements to form sure they get enough of this omega-3
The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
Omega-6 fatty acids even have important roles in your body almost like those
of omega-3s.
Both are used to produce signaling molecules called eicosanoids, which have
various roles related to inflammation and blood clotting
Yet, omega-3s are anti-inflammatory, and scientists hypothesize that eating an
excessive amount of omega-6 counteracts these beneficial effects.
In the Western diet, omega-6 intake is extremely high compared thereto of
omega-3s, therefore the ratio is currently skewed far towards the omega-6 side
.
Maintaining a balance between these two fats — often termed the omega-6 to
omega-3 ratio — could also be important for optimal health.
Although insufficient evidence exists to show that omega-6 is harmful, most
health professionals agree that getting enough omega-3 is important for
health.
Comments
Post a Comment