what is an omega-3 fatty acid?

Question

why is it beneficial for a person who has had 2 heart attacks and three strokes?

Answer 1

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids classified as essential because they cannot be synthesized in the body; they must be obtained from food.

Important omega-3 fatty acids in human nutrition are: α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

On September 8, 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave "qualified health claim" status to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acids, stating that "supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease."

A 2006 report in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that their review of literature covering cohorts from many countries with a wide variety of demographic characteristics failed to demonstrate a link between omega-3 fatty acids and cancer prevention. This is similar to the findings of a review by the British Medical Journal of studies up to February 2002 that failed to find clear effects of long and shorter chain omega-3 fats on total mortality, combined cardiovascular events and cancer.

In April 2006, a team led by Lee Hooper at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK, published a review of almost 100 separate studies into omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in oily fish. It concluded that they do not have a significant protective effect against cardiovascular disease.

The above stands in stark contrast with two different reviews also performed in 2006 by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and a second JAMA review that both indicated decreases in total mortality and cardiovascular incidents (i.e. myocardial infarcts) associated with the regular consumption of fish and fish oil supplements. Of particular importance is that no or very few complications were documented.

Research in 2005-06 has suggested that the in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of omega-3 acids translates into clinical benefits. Cohorts of neck pain patients and of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have demonstrated benefits comparable to those receiving standard NSAIDs.[citation needed]

Those who follow a Mediterranean-style diet tend to have higher HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. Similar to those who follow a Mediterranean diet, Arctic-dwelling Inuit - who consume high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish - also tend to have increased HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides (fatty material that circulates in the blood). In addition, fish oil supplements containing EPA and DHA have been shown to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides. Finally, walnuts (which are rich in ALA) have been shown to lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol.

Answer 2

Your body only needs 1-2 Tablespoons of essential fats like omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids a day!! Omega 6 fatty acids you get from grains and bread products and Omega 3 fatty acids you get from fish and peanut butter and some oils. When you eat the recommended serving sizes these fatty acids participate in vital bodily functions (ex. regulating blood flow). When you exceed the daily amount which most people do, then these fats act as other fats and get stored directly as fat storage.

Answer 3

Omega 3s have received quite a bit of publicity over the past few years, but truthfully they have been considered an important fatty acid since I was in college studying Nutrition back in the 1970’s and 80’s. Over the past 30 years we have learned a lot about omegas. While I was in college I remember going to the local health food store with fellow Nutrition majors prior to exams to stock up on stinky, fishy, foul tasting capsules to improve our memories. And let me tell you, they were gross! Research was already published back in the 80’s proving they could help with memory and attention, but we have since learned so much more and been able to do so much more to improve upon products containing omega 3s!

So let’s dive into your science lesson for today. Omega 3s are fatty acids, which are considered good fats. Our bodies need fats in our diet, but there are good fats and bad fats. Bad fats are primarily found in saturated fats and trans- fats. Saturated fats are solid fats from sources such as beef, dark meat chicken, butter, whole milk dairy and egg yolks. Trans-fats are synthetically-made hydrogenated fatty acids appearing in products such as vegetable shortenings, margarine and many snack foods. Omega 3s, on the other hand, can come from some plant sources such as flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts, or from cold water fish, krill and egg oil. ALA omegas, which come from plants such as flax seeds, are very good for fighting inflammation, fighting free radical damage and acting as antioxidants in your body. They are also good for your metabolism and may help with regularity, so they are great to have in your diet. However, EPA and DHA omegas are magical omegas!

Answer 4

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids
classified as essential because they cannot be synthesized in the body; they must be obtained from food.

For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish and certain plant oils. It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet as these two substances work together to promote health.

Several studies suggest that diets and/or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure significantly in people with hypertension. Fish high in mercury (such as tuna) should be avoided, however, because they may increase blood pressure.

One of the best ways to help prevent and treat heart disease is to eat a low-fat diet and to replace foods rich in saturated and trans-fat with those that are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids). Evidence suggests that EPA and DHA found in fish oil help reduce risk factors for heart disease including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. There is also strong evidence that these substances can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the development of plaque and blood clots, each of which tends to clog arteries. Studies of heart attack survivors have found that daily omega-3 fatty acid supplements dramatically reduce the risk of death, subsequent heart attacks, and stroke. Similarly, people who eat an ALA-rich diet are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack.

Strong evidence from population-based studies suggests that omega-3 fatty acid intake (primarily from fish), helps protect against stroke caused by plaque buildup and blood clots in the arteries that lead to the brain. In fact, eating at least two servings of fish per week can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 50%. However, people who eat more than three grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day (equivalent to 3 servings of fish per day) may be at an increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke, a potentially fatal type of stroke in which an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures.

Answer 5

Fish oil caplets and Flax Seed. It helps keeps the cells slippery and helps them not stick together as easily. The best sourse is Flax Seed (cold milled) ground up seeds. These have a nutty taste. It can be sprinkled in cereal or juices or what ever. I like to put a tablespoon in yougurt.