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The Wonders Of Omega 3 Fatty Acid

An omega 3 fatty acid is a fatty acid that has been found to be essential and vital for the growth of animals and young children. Having about less than a percent of omega 3 fatty acid in the body propagated its normal growth, although, an increase in this percentage does not increase in benefit. Together with n-6 fatty acids, they produce several substances such as eicosanoids, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes and prostacyclins. These substances do not live long inside the body and are easily removed.

However, when the level of eicosanoids produced exceeds the number of eicosanoids being metabolized, this may cause a problem in the body. But since the conversion of omega 3 fatty acid into eicosanoids is quite slow, this rarely occurs. Both omega 3 fatty acids and n-6 fatty acids compete for the production of these substances and produce opposite effects thus they cancel each other out as they compete with each other.

The competition between these two substances was found to be significant when they found out that thromboxane is responsible for platelet aggregation and thrombosis. The leukotrienes are important in sicknesses such as asthma, lupus and arthritis. Because of this, ways to control the production of n-6 eicosanoids were being searched for. They came up with the simplest method of avoiding the ingestion of n-6 fatty acids and increasing the intake of omega 3 fatty acid.

In 2004, the substances eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid or DHA showed potential in reducing the risks that involve having coronary heart disease when ingested. Also, it presented a cure to some problems of the circulatory system such as varicose veins. An increase in the circulation of blood by these substances also increases fibrin breakdown as well as the formation of scars. Omega 3 fatty acid has been able to prove that the levels of triglyceride in the blood has gone down while the risk of heart attacks increases.

The intake of omega 3 fatty acids also has their own health risks that manifest themselves when an increase in omega 3 fatty acids is made. This includes an increase in bleeding especially when the patient taking aspirin and Coumadin or warfarin. Hemorrhagic stroke also occurs when Eskimo amounts or large doses of this substance occur. Oxidation products occur with the oxidation of omega 3 fatty acids. Glycemic control is reduced in diabetics.

The concentration of LDL cholesterol is also found to increase in a handful of individuals. A suppression of the inflammation and immune responses may occur thus decreasing the resistance of the body to infections and increasing its susceptibility to several opportunistic bacteria.

People with congestive heart failure, chronic angina, and other cardiac problems are advised to converse with their health provider before attempting to try omega 3 fatty acids. For prevention, these foods should be avoided at all cost.

Omega 3, Fatty Acid - Foods that are rich in this

  • Fatty Fish: Bluefish, Halibut, Herring, Mackerel, Pilchards, Salmon, Sardines, Trout
  • Oils: Canola, Flaxsee, Hemp, Soybean, Walnut
  • Nuts and Seeds: Flaxseeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Walnuts
  • Others high in Omega 3: Green Leafy Vegetables, Soy, Tofu, Eggs, Buffalo and Venison.