Omega Oils For Your Heart, Brain and Joints | Podcast #1
Omega 3 fatty acids have many proven benefits for your heart, brain, joints and may enhance immunity and increase longevity, as well. Fish oil is the best concentrated source of the essential, long chain omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Vegetable sources of omega 3 fatty acids including flaxseed (linseed) oil, and walnuts, contain a shorter chain omega 3, alpha linolenic acid, or ALA.
Benefits of EPA and DHA have been documented in large epidemiological studies from around the world. These include lowering of serum triglyceride levels, reduced risk for heart attacks (fatal and non-fatal) and sudden death, small reductions in blood pressure, reduced plaque deposition in arteries and natural anti-inflammatory properties, with reduced stiffness and joint tenderness in rheumatoid arthritis.
In the natural diet, the ratio between omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids should be between 1:1 and 4:1, maximum. However, the Western diet has far too much of the omega 6 fatty acids, like arachidonic acid, a potent precursor of prostaglandins and other chemical compounds, which promote inflammation and stimulate pain nerves within tissues. Fast foods, grain-fed meats and vegetable oils overwhelm the omega 3's distorting the desired, natural ratio range so that the omega 6 to omega 3 ratio often exceed 10:1 and may even run as high as 30:1. This distortion of the omega 6 to omega 3 ratio promotes plaque formation, with increased risk of heart attacks and strokes and many other health issues, even certain cancers.
The use of fish oil is an excellent way to restore the desired balance and avoid these disease states and enhance optimal health.
