Omega 3 Essential Oil

An essential fatty acid

Omega 3 is called an essential fatty acid, because it is essential in making healthy cell membranes and for your body to function well.

The main Omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (EicosaPentaenoic Acid) and DHA (DocosaHexaenoic Acid).

According to an article in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, research has shown DHA and EPA reduce the process of inflammation, which has links to various cardiovascular and neurological illnesses.

Omega 3 can be obtained from fish oil or there is a vegan version extracted from flaxseeds with Alpha Linolenic Acid, which converts in the body to the Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Summarising recent research from the universities of Harvard, Oxford, Maryland, UCLA Berkeley and many others, the top benefits of Omega 3 have been confirmed as:

◊ The maintenance of healthy eyes and vision

◊ Reduced anxiety and fewer symptoms of depression

◊ Improved fertility. In men, DHA plays a role in the health and mobility of sperm. For women, the ability of Omega 3 to reduce inflammation is important as that in turn reduces the chance of hormone imbalance.

◊ Healthy pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, most women are deficient in EPA and DHA as they enter pregnancy and become even more depleted during pregnancy. This is because the placenta needs to supply the foetus with DHA from the mother, since DHA is a vital building block of the growing baby’s brain, eyes and nervous system. Once the baby is born, supplies of Omega 3, via the mother’s milk, continue to be vital to healthy brain development and immune function.

◊ Improved joint health and mobility

◊ Improved immune response, which is why some researchers believe that Omega 3 contributes to breast and prostate health by helping to inhibit tumour development.

◊ Normal brain function – helping to ward off cognitive decline in later years

◊ A reduced risk of high blood pressure

◊ Lowered cholesterol and lower risk of heart disease and stroke

◊ Reduction in symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

Finally, Omega 3 may help in maintaining a healthy weight. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that a combination of Omega 3 supplements and regular exercise can reduce body fat while simultaneously improving heart and metabolic health.

ANTI-OXIDANT

Omega 3 is an anti-oxidant, which means it helps counteract oxidative free radical damage to DNA and tissues, which accounts for its ability to reduce the risk of heart problems. The same mechanism makes it beneficial for smoother skin.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Omega 3 is also an anti-inflammatory, which means it counteracts the damaging effect of what is called ‘chronic sub-clinical inflammation’. This type of inflammation, which builds up in body tissue, is at the heart of many illnesses.

CORRECTS OMEGA 6/3 BALANCE

There is a consensus amongst health professionals that the modern diet contains an unhealthy ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 oils.

Omega 6 – found in widely used vegetable oils like sunflower and corn, and therefore in very many fast foods and processed foods – is pro-inflammatory (it promotes inflammation), which is damaging to health.

Omega 3 oils are anti-inflammatory, which is positive for health. Supplementing with Omega 3 can help improve the balance – and improve your health.