Cod and Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Even though we have all been bombarded with information about Omega 3 in the past few years and most people are fully aware that it is good for health, many still don’t know what Omega 3 actually is or that there are different types of Omega 3 fatty acids.
What are Omega 3 fatty acids?
The Omega 3 fatty acids are long chain essential fatty acids that are required by the body but which we cannot produce ourselves so we have to source them from our diet. The three main Omega 3 fatty acids are alpha linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
ALA is found in some vegetable oils and dark green leafy vegetables. However, our ability to convert this fatty acid into the more important EPA and DHA is severely limited. Consequently, we are unlikely to get enough Omega 3 in our diet if we consume it in this form alone.
EPA and DHA are now considered to be the most essential Omega 3 fatty acids for good health. This is because DHA is necessary for healthy development of the brain and vision so especially important during pregnancy and in early childhood. After that we all need EPA in order for our brain to function on a daily basis and for other important processes in the body. Also, if we have enough EPA in our diet we can convert this into DHA as required.
EPA has now been shown by research trials to be helpful in treating depression, heart disease, arthritis, as well as many other conditions. It can help reduce inflammation in the body, thin the blood, improve concentration and memory and has even been shown by some studies to be more effective than Ritalin at treating ADHD.
Omega 3 versus Omega 6 fatty acids
Another reason we need to increase our intake of Omega 3 is because today’s modern diets are abundant in Omega 6 fatty acids. We also need Omega 6 for health but as Omega 6 promotes inflammation and tumour growth and thickens the blood, we need to have enough Omega 3 to balance this out.
Where can we find EPA and DHA?
The problem is, we only have one reliable source of EPA and DHA and that is from oily fish. Both Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil contain high concentrations of EPA and DHA but as Cod Liver Oil is sourced from the Liver of fish which is where vitamins A and D is stored, Cod Liver Oil also contains these vitamins which can be harmful in high doses.
Unless you need the benefit of Vitamin D, which some people do in winter if they live in areas that don’t get much sunlight, then it might be better to take Fish Oil. When choosing a fish oil you should look for one that is highly concentrated in EPA in order to get the maximum benefit from the oil.
Omega 3 fish oils Pure EPA is available exclusively from www.health-products.co.za
