subject: Omega Fatty Acids What Are They? [print this page] What exactly are these fatty acids we keep hearing about daily. Omega 3 and omega 6 are becoming more the subject on the Internet and ingredients we are starting to see show up on the foods we buy. There is actually a third type of omega fatty acid that we don't hear about, it's omega 9. It could be because it does not need to be sold across the counter. It is manufactured in nouse by our body itself. The other two are essential fatty acids we need to get from food or through supplements.
Fatty acids are the good fats. They are formed by breaking down of regular fat. They usually don't break up in water, and our cells need them for energy. The fatty acids can be a part of many of the types of fats we know, viz: monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, or saturated. They are considered as organic compounds containing carbon and hydrogen molecules. The role of fatty acids is to help the body get oxygen to your heart, brain and other parts by carrying oxygen through the blood. They also help the development of your cell membranes. They help to make them stronger and help them in functioning properly. Fatty acids are very important for the development of organs and tissues.
These fats are referred to as essential because the body needs them to remain healthy, but they can only be got through food sources or supplements. That is where omega 3 and omega 6 come in. They are both essential fatty acids that we need. According to some researches, American diet is rich in omega 6, but lacks omega 3. Omega 6 is found in many of the foods that we eat. Some of the main sources of omega 6 are vegetable oils, certain nuts, fast food, pastries, cookies, french fries, or we might as well say, they are in most everything we love to eat. Omega 3 can be found in tuna, salmon, walnuts, flax seeds, and some plants. As you can see when reading the list, it's not food that we are all fond of. So the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 is so off balance in our diets, that we are suffering from many diseases.
Both types are important to our well being and getting a balance of both the fatty acids is necessary for keeping a good level of lipids in your blood. They are needed for proper blood clotting and for keeping your blood pressure in a good range.
If you are not able to get sufficient omega 3, the one you are most likely lacking into your diet, then do the next best thing. You can readily find the omega 3 supplements at your local drug or grocery stores to meet your dietary requirements. Read the bottle and follow the instructions for how much to take a day.
As always, if you are taking any prescription medicines prescribed by your doctor, it is advisable to talk to them first before taking any supplements].
If you're not taking any medications, then why not start something that will help you stay healthy by adding omega 3 to your diet through food sources or through supplements.
