Omega-3 fatty acids are "good fats," and are among the most important nutrients lacking in Americans' diet today and one of the biggest missing nutrients in a pregnant woman's diet.
As well a new borns and toddlers diet.
DHA is the most abundant omega-3 fat in our brains. And, because our bodies don't efficiently make DHA, we need to eat foods rich in this important nutrient in order to keep our brains functioning optimally. However, because our food is generally so processed, toxic and not properly grown and allowed to ripen, like many nutrients, it is mostly not attained at all.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, are vital part of every cell in the body. Research suggests
omega-3s can help...
Feed the brain.
DHA specifically plays a role in how well cells can communicate with each other.
There actions may help with memory, clear thinking and may offer a protective effect against age-related memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia
Lower risk of heart disease (when part of a healthy lifestyle)
Lower triglyceride levels
Help improve memory
Fight inflammation in the body
Improve blood flow through the arteries and slow the building of plaque inside arteries
Keep blood vessels nimble and flexible
Decrease blood pressure and maintain a steady heart rate
Curb or lessen symptoms of postpartum depression, manic depression, bipolar disease and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Lower risk of heart disease (when part of a healthy lifestyle)
Lower triglyceride levels
Help improve memory
Fight inflammation in the body
Improve blood flow through the arteries and slow the building of plaque inside arteries
Keep blood vessels nimble and flexible
Decrease blood pressure and maintain a steady heart rate
Curb or lessen symptoms of postpartum depression, manic depression, bipolar disease and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Keep optimal eye health and reduce the risk for age-related vision problems
Reduce soreness and tenderness of joints in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Reduce soreness and tenderness of joints in people with rheumatoid arthritis
When you see omega-3, it's important to realize that not all omegas are created equal. This chart explains the difference between DHA, EPA and ALA
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
DHA is a long chain omega-3 fatty acid important for brain and eye development and function throughout life. It also supports heart health. DHA is the most abundant omega-3 in the brain and retina and is naturally found in breast milk.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
EPA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid important for overall health. However, unlike DHA, the body does not store EPA in significant quantities in the brain or retina (DHA is found in every cell throughout the body, EPA is not).
EPA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid important for overall health. However, unlike DHA, the body does not store EPA in significant quantities in the brain or retina (DHA is found in every cell throughout the body, EPA is not).
Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA)
ALA, an essential fatty acid (EFA), is a shorter-chain omega-3 that
serves as a source of energy and as a building block for long-chain
omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).
ALA, an essential fatty acid (EFA), is a shorter-chain omega-3 that
serves as a source of energy and as a building block for long-chain
omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).
According to this doctor chart, this is the breakdown. Although I'd have to verify this more thoroughly it looks pretty accurate.
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