Fish Oil and Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Your Health
The Mediterranean diet is widely regarded as one of the healthiest diets. It utilizes fish oil as an essential part of that diet. The omega 3 fatty acids known as EPA and DHA present in fish oil helps to explain why the Mediterranean diet is seen this way.
Fatty or oily-fleshed fish are a good source of the essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Choices include rainbow trout, herring, mackerel, tuna, sardines and salmon. The human body cannot produce essential fatty acids, so it is important to get them from food sources.
A great deal of research has been carried out into omega 3 fatty acids and results suggest that they offer a number of important benefits, not the least of which is help in maintaining a healthy heart. Effects claimed for omega 3 fatty acids include lowering the risk of blocked blood vessels and heart attacks, lowering blood pressure and preventing hardening of the arteries.
In addition to this, it seems that the omega 3 benefits also include the reduction of inflammation. This means that consuming fish oil could be used to combat conditions such as arthritis. Omega 3 may reduce tenderness in joints and decrease morning stiffness, making it possible to reduce medication taken for rheumatoid arthritis. There might also be benefits for sufferers of osteoarthritis. Omega 3 could therefore be considered alongside established arthritis natural treatments such as vitamin B3, turmeric and ginger.
In order to get the necessary amount of fish oil, you will need to eat fish at least twice a week. Fish is a good source of protein and it should contain some fat. Fish however does not have the same high saturated fat as meat does. Taking dietary supplements with omega 3 is also possible.
Fish is good for your brain as well and omega 3 might also fight schizophrenia and Huntington’s disease by helping the brain to repair damage. So this is a food that is good for your head, heart and bones as well as being a pleasure to eat. What could be better?
- Michael Byrd
