Tuesday, January 29, 2008

What is Omega 3 Fat and How it Can be Added to Everyday Diet

By John Collins

Omega 3 fat is the general name for DHA or EPA which come under the category of good fats. These fats are essential and are also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids. We should consume these fats on a regular basis either through foods rich in these nutrients or through omega 3 supplements available over the counter.

Another type of omega 3 fat known as ALA is also required by our body. This is a long-chain fatty acid and is broken down into its short-chain counterparts in the body to be utilized by the bloodstream. DHA and EPA, on the other hand, are absorbed instantly by the blood.

Fish oil contains DHA and EPA in adequate amounts, and ALA is primarily obtained from flax seeds and flax seed oil. Both these oils are available on the market in liquid and capsules form. Liquid flax seed oil can also be used for cooking and many other purposes. It lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation and prevents gallstones.

Fish oil is mostly available in the form of fish oil capsules that normally contain about 120 mg DHA and 180 mg EPA. 1 to 2 capsules per day are enough for an average, healthy person. In addition to these supplements, a balanced diet should also be consumed to ensure long-term health and well-being.

Many fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and hoki are used in the making of fish oil supplements. Their tissues contain a lot of oil which can be extracted, refined, purified and then packaged as capsules to be used by people of all ages.

Out of these, hoki fish oil has been found to be very effective and beneficial for health. This is because this oil contains less impurities and heavy metal content in its pure form than other fish oils. Further refining through molecular distillation renders it ultra pure and totally fit for consumption.

Omega 3 fat content obtained from fish, flax seeds, soybeans, sesame seeds, shrimps and other foods rich in fatty acids prevent various diseases including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and other degenerative diseases. These fats are good for the skin and they are also required for many functions of the body including prevention of internal blood clotting.

Make sure that you have added any of the above mentioned food sources to your diet and also consume omega 3 supplements regularly to obtain your share of these fats.

John Collins is a content editor who focuses on a wide array of niche health topics. His latest website - Natural Dha Fish Oil focuses on omega 3 as a whole, and in particular, a natural product our editors personally use with excellent health results known as - Dha Esters

Be sure to check out our Omega 3 Dha Esters of choice, it is the natural supplement we use and recommend to friends and family, and have done for over 3 years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Collins

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