Omega 3 essential fatty acids are often deficient in our diets, but are essential to our wellbeing...

Essential fatty acids are called "essential" because they cannot be biosynthesized in sufficient amounts by the human body and have to be taken in through dietary sources to allow normal metabolism. The omega 3 fatty acids that humans require are: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The health benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA in particular, have been widely studied and are both numerous and widespread.

Vegetarian/Vegan Sources Of Omega 3's

Both flax and hemp seed oils are the highest vegetable sources of omega 3, although most of this is ALA. In the human body, under optimal conditions, we can convert a certain amount of ALA to DHA and EPA. However, it is not always the case that we have excess ALA to convert, and it has been shown that our conversion process is very inefficient, converting anywhere from only 5% - 20% of what is needed. Women are said to be slightly more efficient at this conversion process than men. For vegans, this can make it virtually impossible to get adequate amounts of DHA and EPA. Fish and fish oils are by far the easiest and highest source of these essential fats. That being said, some supplement companies have released an algae based DHA source. Research is also looking into sachi inchi, a plant native to the Amazon rainforest, high in omega 3 fatty acids. These supplements may help to span the gap, and provide vegetarians effective alternative sources. Just be sure to take note of the dose of EPA and DHA of your supplement.

Fish Oil

Interestingly, the research studies performed on the benefits of fish oil are almost exclusively performed on fish oil supplementation and diets with high fish content. Fish and fish oils are probably the greatest source of EPA and DHA omega 3, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The mental health benefits of omega 3 oils are particularly attributed to fish oil supplementation.

Krill Oil

One great source of omega 3 fatty acids that is also very environmentally sustainable, is krill oil. Because krill are so low on the food chain, their oil also does not contain many of the contaminants present in fish. Krill oil also contains phospholipids, and astaxanthin, which have additional health benefits.

Heart Health And Weight Management

The research on omega 3 fatty acids and heart health is extensive. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to lower cholesterol, triglycerides and high blood pressure. DHA has been shown to be especially beneficial to heart health. A number of studies have shown that omega 3 oils, DHA and EPA in particular, help to protect against obesity. These oils help reduce body fat, supporting a healthier BMI and hip to waist circumference ratio, one of the key predictors of metabolic syndrome. Thus, omega 3 oils are useful in terms of treating and preventing heart disease and metabolic syndrome.

Pregnancy And Infants

Omega 3 fatty acids, DHA in particular, has been associated with the development of the brain, eyes, and immune system of a growing fetus, as well as decreased risk of low birth weight infants. Supplementation is highly recommended for both maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.

Brain Health

The brain requires the largest amounts of omega 3 fatty acids of the whole body. In fact, the brain is nearly 60% fat by weight, and a large percentage of this is DHA. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been shown to have an affinity for the central nervous system, helping to treat and prevent cognitive decline, protect memory, treat depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorders and schizophrenia. DHA has been associated with improved brain function, while EPA is associated with mood balancing.

Immune Regulation And Cell Growths

These oils are also an effective treatment for a variety of autoimmune conditions, including SLE (lupus), IBD (irritable bowel disease) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies have also backed its use in osteoporosis, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, and other dermatological disorders, macular degeneration, PMS and prostate and colon growths.

Skin Health

Fatty acids are used in every cell in our bodies to make up their cell membranes. Taking in sufficient healthy fats can help the body to create new healthy cells to replace the old. This is especially the case with our skin cells, where new cell growth and proper cell moisture content make huge differences in the appearance and feel of our skin. Getting sufficient omega 3 fats can help to keep skin supple and smooth, and the immune regulatory functions of EPA and DHA can help to reduce inflammatory conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne.