Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Do you need them?

Omega 3's = fish oil = YUCK! Right?

Not necessarily.

But first - do I really need them?
Well - here is some of the research - then you decide.

High blood pressure responds well to omega-3's in clinical studies.

Lower tryglycerides and apoproteins(markers of diabetis) means diabetics may benefit from taking fish oil supplements.

Weight loss, blood sugar and cholesterol levels all improve when the diet includes omega-3's.

Several studies have found that omega-3's reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies show marked improvement for other inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and painful menstruation. In addition, the inflammatory symptoms of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (IBD) are reduced when omega-3's are added to the diet.

In a study of women over 65 with osteoporosis, those given omega-3 supplements showed less bone loss over a 3 year period than the control group. Many also experienced an increase in bone density.

Omega-3's also help nerve cells communicate with each other which is essential for maintaining good mental health. Low levels of omega-3's can lead to feelings of depression and hostility. Low fatty acid levels are also found in people with eating disorders.

Fatty acids are critical in the healing process for burn victims to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. Skin disorders that are helped by taking omegas include psoriasis and acne - especially when flax seed is the source. Omega-3's also help protect the skin from UV damage.

Asthma sufferers also noted a marked improvement when they added omega 3's to their diet. The anti-inflammatory properties work here as well.

Hot flashes and increased sweating were reduced in women with the highest levels of omega 3's in a study of 200 Danish women.

Low levels of omega 3 in the body is a marker for an increased risk of colon cancer.

The risk of dying from breast cancer may be significantly less for those who eat large quantities of omega-3 from fish and brown kelp seaweed (common in Japan). More research is being done on this valuable finding.

Clinical studies suggest that a low fat diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent prostate cancer. Again more studies need to be done.

But wait - there's more . . . new research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may help protect against autism, ulcers, migraine headaches, preterm labor, emphysema, psoriasis, glaucoma, Lyme disease, systemic lupus, irregular hear beats, multiple sclerosis and panic attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce stress and the effects it has on the body. WOW!

So - you know you need it - right?
You can get it from Fish Oil, but also from Flax Seed Oil and Evening Primrose Oil.

Don't wait. Life is no fun if you don't have your health.