Essential Fatty Acid Facts Everyone Needs To Know

There have been thousands of studies that reveal the importance of having essential fats in our diets. A lot of people think "FAT" oh no! Please let me explain.

I personally had the extreme anguish of watching my daughter go through 4 years of an eating disorder where at 70 lbs and 14 years of age, she was tormented by the thought of fats. It's much too long of a story to delve into here but the end of the story is that she has fully recovered, has been at her goal weight and above for over a year now.

During this time I learned that fats make up over 30% of our brain. That without fats we positively cannot live. Ok, so in western industrialized nations, we have overdone it a bit. We have, for the last 80 years, used the wrong kinds of fats in our diets, in our baking, in our cooking. Fast foods are economical, quick, easy, tasty but "bad", sorry to say.

If you can stay away from pastries topped with sugary icing, dough nuts, deep fried foods, McDs, BK, stay away from trans fats and learn to consume Omega-3s in sufficient quantity then you are making a dynamic shift that can completely alter your life, extend your life and improve your chances for meaningful contribution while you grace the earth.

Here are some benefits from Omega-3s:

• Optimal Heart Health - Omega-3s are the No. 1 heart attack prevention method recommended by hundreds of cardiologists.
• Optimal Brain Function - Omega-3s fats work better in the brain that trans fats. Eat more Omega-3s for brain health.
• Optimal cardiovascular system - Omega-3s not only cure arrhythmias but also provide a better patch for tears in the arteries.
• Optimal Mental health and Mood - Several psychiatrist have shown marked improvement in mood disorders when a diet high in omega-3s are introduced to patients.
• Optimal Joint health - Omega-3s are a natural anti-inflammatory and therefor cause joint troubles to melt away.

Super Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The way that omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD risk is still not known and is still being studied. Large-scale epidemiologic studies suggest that people at risk for coronary heart disease benefit from consuming omega-3 fatty acids from plants and marine sources. Research has shown the following:

• Decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
• Decrease triglyceride levels
• Decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
• Lower blood pressure (slightly)

How much each person should take is still unclear. Studies suggest taking EPA+DHA ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces deaths from heart disease and all causes. Total intake of alpha-linolenic acid should be 1.5-3 grams per day to be beneficial.

More studies are needed to confirm and define the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for preventing a first or subsequent cardiovascular emergency.

The American Heart Association recommends most to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods. Coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get enough omega-3 by diet alone. They may want to consult with their doctor about taking a supplement.

The American Heart Association also feels supplements could help people with high triglycerides. Your physician will be able to decide what dosage is right for you.

Always keep in mind to look for a high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants before using.

Source: American Heart Association
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.