Omega Fatty Acids - What Are They?
So much is being written and said daily about the fatty acids.
Have you ever wondered what exactly they are? Omega 3 and omega 6 have become a burning topic on the media, as a result of which, we have become more informed about them.
Most of us may not have heard about the third type of fatty acid i.
e.
"Omega 9".
It could be because it is usually never sold over the counter.
It is produced within our body itself.
The other two are essential fatty acids we need to get from food or through supplements available at your nearest drug store.
Fatty acids are classified in the category of good fats.
They are formed by breaking down of regular fat.
Our cells need them for energy.
Just like fats, fatty acids too are of different types - monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, or saturated.
Chemically they are organic compounds and contain the molecules of carbon and hydrogen.
The role of fatty acids is to provide nutrients to the heart, brain and other parts of the body by carrying oxygen through the blood.
They also help in the development of cell membranes.
They help to make them stronger and assist them in functioning properly.
Fatty acids are very vital for the development of organs and tissues.
These fats are referred to as essential fats because our body needs them to remain healthy, but we can get them only through food sources or supplements.
This is where omega 3 and omega 6 play a very important role.
They are both essential fatty acids that we need.
The problem is, that although the Americans consume excessive Omega 6, but sadly their diets lack the vital Omega 3.
Omega 6 is found in most of the food items that we eat almost daily.
Some of the main sources of omega 6 are vegetable oils, nuts, fast food, pastries, cookies, french fries, or we can say that it is present in almost everything we love to eat.
Omega 3 can be found in tuna, salmon, walnuts, flax seeds, and some plants.
As you can see from the list, most of us may not be fond of these food items.
As we do not get omega 3 and omega 6 in the specified ratio, we are falling prey to various diseases.
Both omega 3 as well as omega 3 are important to our well-being and consumption of both the fatty acids in the proper ratio is necessary in order to maintain the level of good lipids in the blood.
They help in clotting of the blood and maintaining the blood pressure in the desired range.
If you are unable to get sufficient omega 3 in your diet, then you can rely on omega 3 supplements available at your drug store to fulfill your dietary needs.
Remember to take it strictly as per directions printed on the bottle or as directed by your physician.
If you are on any medications prescribed by your doctor, it is best to talk to them first before taking any supplements.
If you're not taking any medications, then why not add omega 3 to your diet, that will help you to stay healthy and fit through your old age.
Have you ever wondered what exactly they are? Omega 3 and omega 6 have become a burning topic on the media, as a result of which, we have become more informed about them.
Most of us may not have heard about the third type of fatty acid i.
e.
"Omega 9".
It could be because it is usually never sold over the counter.
It is produced within our body itself.
The other two are essential fatty acids we need to get from food or through supplements available at your nearest drug store.
Fatty acids are classified in the category of good fats.
They are formed by breaking down of regular fat.
Our cells need them for energy.
Just like fats, fatty acids too are of different types - monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, or saturated.
Chemically they are organic compounds and contain the molecules of carbon and hydrogen.
The role of fatty acids is to provide nutrients to the heart, brain and other parts of the body by carrying oxygen through the blood.
They also help in the development of cell membranes.
They help to make them stronger and assist them in functioning properly.
Fatty acids are very vital for the development of organs and tissues.
These fats are referred to as essential fats because our body needs them to remain healthy, but we can get them only through food sources or supplements.
This is where omega 3 and omega 6 play a very important role.
They are both essential fatty acids that we need.
The problem is, that although the Americans consume excessive Omega 6, but sadly their diets lack the vital Omega 3.
Omega 6 is found in most of the food items that we eat almost daily.
Some of the main sources of omega 6 are vegetable oils, nuts, fast food, pastries, cookies, french fries, or we can say that it is present in almost everything we love to eat.
Omega 3 can be found in tuna, salmon, walnuts, flax seeds, and some plants.
As you can see from the list, most of us may not be fond of these food items.
As we do not get omega 3 and omega 6 in the specified ratio, we are falling prey to various diseases.
Both omega 3 as well as omega 3 are important to our well-being and consumption of both the fatty acids in the proper ratio is necessary in order to maintain the level of good lipids in the blood.
They help in clotting of the blood and maintaining the blood pressure in the desired range.
If you are unable to get sufficient omega 3 in your diet, then you can rely on omega 3 supplements available at your drug store to fulfill your dietary needs.
Remember to take it strictly as per directions printed on the bottle or as directed by your physician.
If you are on any medications prescribed by your doctor, it is best to talk to them first before taking any supplements.
If you're not taking any medications, then why not add omega 3 to your diet, that will help you to stay healthy and fit through your old age.