Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Good for the Heart

N−3 fatty acids or popularly known as Omega-3 is a member of the unsaturated fatty acid family, the healthy fats so to speak. That's right, not every fats you hear is bad for your health and Omega-3 is one powerful nutrient that is good for the heart and has more health benefits.

n-3 fatty acids are divided into several polyunsaturated acids such as α-linolenic acid(ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA). Omega-3 are known to be essential in growth and in health and just recently, a study suggests that it effectively supports cardiovascular health.

EPA and DHA are said to be more potent when it comes to heart protection and heart attack prevention. Other health benefits includes protection against arthritis, varicose veins, depression, dementia, and certain cancers. It is also studied to reduce cholesterol levels (LDL), triglycerides (blood fat that promotes heart disease) and blood pressure thus resulting to lesser risks of heart attack.

N-3 fatty acids are also good for the brain, helping to ease the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although N-3 does not cure ADHD totally, omega-3 can help improve brain development and function thus lessening the risks of many brain illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease.

Omega-3 regulates heart beat and reduces the level of unhealthy fats in the blood stream. Also, N-3 fatty acids fights inflammation and plaque build up in the blood vessels, joints and elsewhere in the body resulting to good circulatory system. Since human body cannot produce N-3 fatty acids naturally, we can only get them through foods that contains high in omega-3 content.

EPA and DHA are found in the following foods:

* Salmon
* Herring
* Sardines
* Anchovies
* Tuna

Generally, Omega-3 are found in many foods like egg, meat, vegetable oil, flaxseed, walnut, milk, cheese, spinach, krill oil, green-lipped mussel, purslane, broccoli, edamame and many others.

In summary, Omega-3 are antidepressants, good for the heart, relieves muscle and joint pains, reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, prevents stroke, lessen the risks of mental illnesses and many other health benefits. Today, omega-3 can be bought in capsule form as a dietary supplements but it is still much more ideal to eat natural foods because it is less harmful to the body.