Introduction: There are 3 common forms of Omega (fatty acids): Omega 3, which is the most common, Omega 6, and Omega 9. Omega 3 and 6 are not made by the body and must be obtained from the food we eat. The human body does make Omega 9.
What is Omega 3? They are fatty acids that are commonly found in fish oil, seeds, and nuts.
What foods supply us with Omega 3?
? Oily fish?salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies.
? Seeds from chia, flax, perilla, walnuts, and puslane.
? Eggs from chickens that have been fed a natural diet and are free to roam. Their consumption of pursalane produces eggs that are high in Omega 3.
? Krill?a small shrimp like creature has been found to have Omega 3. Oil is being made out of this as a supplement.
? Organic milk and meat from grass fed cows is also a source of Omega 3.
? Research is now being done on algae, especially brown algae, as a good source of Omega 3.
Omega 6: Is closely related to its interaction with Omega 3. It can be found in these foods:
? Cereals
? Whole grain bread
? Vetetable oils
? Eggs
? Poultry
Omega 9: Are unsaturated fatty acids. They can be found in:
? Animal fat
? Vegetable oil
? Olive oil
? Mustard oil
What do they do and why do we need them? Research has shown that:
? Omega 3 and 6 are vital to the healthy growth of small children and animals.
? Help the immune/inflammatory-system response.
? Recent research has shown that they may help in heart disease.
There is still a lot of research to be done on these fatty acids and how they help the body to function properly. We are seeing more and more of our foods with labels advertising they have Omega 3 and 6 in them. This is especially true for organic eggs that are labeled as being high in Omega 3 and sometimes Omega 6. Most of the risks that have emerged are often due to overdosing on these fatty acids, which happens when synthetic supplements are used too heavily.
This is an exciting part of nutritianal research, as there are some indications from research results of Omega 3, 6, and 9 that may help us with some of our major health problems. At this time, it looks as if they are indeed beneficial to our health in moderate amounts obtained from eating a natural, balanced diet.
Zach Thompson is a Glyconutrients Representative. You can get a free Glyconutrients consultation by visiting Glyconutrients. Clinical studies have shown that glyconutrients can help balance your immune system. | |
