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What are omega-3 fatty
acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid
that cannot be made in the body and therefore must be obtained from
the diet.
The three major types of dietary omega-3s are alpha-linolenic
acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20 carbon atoms, 5 double
bonds) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22 carbon atoms, 6 double
bonds).
Because fish oil contains substantial amounts of EPA and DHA, it
is commonly consumed as a dietary supplement for good health.
In fact, EPA and DHA are primarily responsible for the clinical
effects of fish oil consumption.
Extensive clinical and epidemiological research has revealed
numerous health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA
and DHA. These include cardiovascular disease prevention,
inflammation reduction and alleviation of rheumatoid arthritis.
To view a comprehensive Nutra Report on fish oil and
cardiovascular health, click the button below:
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