Omega 3 Can Reduce The Risk Of Heart Attack (Coronary Thrombosis) By Up To Seventy Percent.

By Melanie Caplan


A list of foods containing omega 3 fatty acids is relatively short when compared to a list of foods containing omega 6 fatty acids. A list of long chain omega 3 foods is even shorter and in fact consists of only one food: fish.

Genetic modification is also being explored, with one experiment inserting genes which will produce long-chain Omega-3 polyunsaturates into existing oilseed varieties. Another uses gene transfer technology to directly convert Omega-6 polyunsaturates to their Omega-3 counterparts.

As the health reputation of the Omega-3s grows, food manufacturers have explored the opportunity of fortifying everyday foods with Omega-3s. Omega-3 eggs are increasingly available; for example, bread fortified with 13mg of Omega-3 DHA per slice is now available in New Zealand and Australia. Malaysia has a cracker fortified with vitamins, minerals and both Omega-3 and Omega-6 EFAs and a similarly fortified margarine serves as a fine accompaniment.

Omega 3 is most commonly associated with the oils found in fish. Best known sources are mackerel, trout and salmon although the oils can be extracted from white fish; and the liver of the Cod is particularly rich as well. The American Heart Association recommends a daily intake of 1000 mg. of Omega-3 for measurable health benefits in cardiovascular care. There are various ways of including Omega 3's in your diet so you need not worry if you are not a big fan of fish.

Sources of Omega-3's

The most obvious method, eating suitable fish regularly, isn't practical for everybody, as again - not everyone enjoys fish, some people are even allergic to it and, of course, vegetarians and vegans don't eat fish. Fortunately there are a wide range of supplements on the market for those people.

Many doctors recommend that vegan diets include an algae oil supplement, since such people will not use the best omega 3 source -- high quality fish oil supplements -- because algae oil contains DHA and EPA fatty acids.

Omega-3 and omega-6 are fatty acids. Both of them are vital for your well-being and good health. However, the problem is that the vast majority of people in the Western world have an Omega-3 deficiency while ingesting a too much Omega-6's.

In short, the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 oils is way off kilter for optimal health.

Omega 3's can also be found in a wide range of other foods including vegetables and processed foods; however, the levels are negligible and provide no significant health benefits. Vegetarian Omega-3 supplements are available, usually as flaxseed (linseed) oil.

EPA and DHA Omega 3 are found almost exclusively in aquatic plants and animals. They are synthesized by phytoplankton, which are consumed by fish, mollusks and crustaceans and thus concentrated in the aquatic food chain.




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