Omega-3

Guide Note

Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid proven to help heart health, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Omega-3 is referred to as "the good fat". Omega-3 can be found in fish like tuna, salmon and shrimp, for example. If you don't like fish, it can be taken in pill form.

Omega-3 has been proved in clinical trials and research to benefit heart disease. Some of the benefits that have been found include, decreased risk of arrhythmias, a decrease in triglyceride levels, slower growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, and slightly lower blood pressure.

Omega-3 has been used to improve rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and raynaud's disease by reducing inflammation and pain. It is also believed to help in the treatment of ADHD. Another use for Omega-3 is for the prevention of stroke.

Fast Facts

1. Comes in two forms DHA and EPA
2. Found in walnuts, cold water fish some fruits and vegetables
3. Can be taken in pill form
4. Also available for vegetarians in flaxseed
5. Body can not produce Omega-3 fatty acid on its own
6. Boosts immune system
7. Encourages the production of body chemicals that help control inflammation
8. Eat a variety of fatty fish at least twice a week
9. Reduces blood clot formation

'It not only plays a vital role in the health of the membrane of every cell in our body, it also helps protect us from a number of key health threats,' says Laurie Tansman, MS, RD, CDN, a nutritionist at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York — WebMD

We recommend eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week. Fish is a good source of protein and doesn’t have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products do. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). — American Heart Association

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before beginning any Omega-3 program.