Omega 3 Fatty Acids: What You Need To Know

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: What You Need To Know

You've probably heard of omega 3 fatty acids, and you probably know that they are good for you. But you may not know exactly what they are and why they are so important. Omega 3 fatty acids are a good kind of fat that is essential for the proper functioning of your body.

There are two basic kinds of these fats. Some are short chain and are known as ALA's. There are also long chains and they are known as EPA's and DHA's. Using an omega 3 supplement can bring many advantages to your health. For instance, scientists are discovering that there are lots of diseases that actually start from inflammation in the body.

And inflammation is the beginning point of such diseases as arthritis, depression, heart disease and cancer. If you take plenty of omega 3's however, you can help prevent these diseases from occurring in your body. In fact, even your brain is helped by these fats.

If you can maintain a high level of omega 3 in your body, you can decrease the risk that you have of developing Alzheimer's disease and even dementia. You can cut the risk in half! But having enough omega 3's can also help you to avoid feelings of depression and sadness as well.

Amazingly, however, omega 3's relieve the symptoms of depression and actually enlarge the size of the brain. By now you are convinced that you need plenty of omega 3's. So where does it come from? Well, your body cannot make these crucial fats, so the only way to get them is to either consume them in your food or take a supplement that contains them. Both methods work. Here are some tips for you to try.

Common foods that omega 3's are found in include fish like canned tuna, salmon and shrimp. Walnuts and flaxseed also contain them. You may find, however, that you prefer to take your omega 3's in a supplemental capsule. Either method is fine, just as long as you are getting enough daily.