Omega -3
Omega-3, is also written as Ω-3, ω-3, n-3 ,and belongs
to poly-unsaturated fatty acid. Omega-3 got the name in its
chemical structure, which signifys that the first double bond
exists as the third carbon-carbon bond from the terminal methyl
end of the carbon chain. Its main active components of Omega-3
fatty acid are PUFA such as EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid)and
DHA(Docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA have healthful physical
effects on cardiovascular disease, anti-inflammation, anticancer,
maintaining neural growth, slowing aging, etc.
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids
for human body. Our body can not produce these essential fatty
acid, we can obtain them from food. Our fish oil can provide
you DHA and EPA in a natural form that your body can absorb
directly without conversion.
Research shows, Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role
in brain function as well as normal growth and development.
Omega-3 fatty acids are good to pregnant women, infants,young
people, adults and old people. DHA is an important component
of the pallium and occupy about 15-20% of the pallium weight.
DHA is indispensable substance for pallium forming, growth
and movement. It helps with forming neural transmitters, such
as phosphatidylserine, which is important for brain function.
DHA occupy about 30-60% of the retina weight, which decide
the retina growth, thus related nerve and eyesight function.
EPA and DHA are converted into hormone like substances called
prostaglandins, and they regulate cell activity and healthy
cardiovascular function. EPA and DHA can help with mental
abnormalities, raise mental focus and cognitive function,
prevent skin from drying and flaking. DHA play an important
role in fetal development. High concentrations of DHA are
found in the brain and increases 300-500% in and infant's
brain during the last trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women
take DHA every day are beneficial for fetus' brain development.
Therefore, DHA has function of brain elevation, eyesight raisement,
short-sight prevention and immunity enhancement. EPA has function
of cleaning up blood vessel, consequently it can effectively
prevent the happening of blood vessel disease and inflammation.
EPA does magic efficiency for treating atherosclerosis, especially
it has distinguished function of sweeping low density cholesterin
in the blood and preventing the forming of blood clot in the
artery, and lowering risk of death, heart attack, stroke,
and abnormal heart rhythms.
Significant institutes for recognizing the functions of Omega-3
American Heart Association (AHA)
British Nutrition Fund (BNF)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Canadian Ministry for Public Health(CMPH)
Institute of Medicine (IOM)
International Society for the Study of Fatty Acid and Lipids
(ISSFAL)
National Heart Foundation of Australia(NHFA)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Omega-3 Application -Fish oil is a kind
of natural functional food and its availability is high. As
a kind of additive, fish oil can be added into food and many
health fields such as:
1. Dairy products, like baby milk powder, yoghourt.
2. Food supplements, like bread, ice cream.
3. Health products.
4. Pharmaceuticals.
Omega-3 fatty acid Application for some diseases:
Asthma - Omega-3 fatty acids can improve
lung function and help to adjust a component of the asthmatic
mechanism.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)
- ADHD is also known as
hyperkinetic disorder and attention deficit disorder. Children
with ADHD may have mostly hyperactive or impulsive symptoms.
Some clinical studies show that these
children with ADHD may have low levels of essential fatty
acids (including EPA and DHA) in their bodies. Often taking
Omega-3, not only can enhance learning
ability, memory and attention focus ability, but also can
ease pressure and make spirit stimulating.
Bipolar disorder - Bipolar disorder is a
complex psychiatric disorder. Some study shows Omega-3 fatty
acids can help smooth out the mood swings of those suffering
from bipolar disorder.
Breast cancer - Women with high Omega-3
levels simply do not get Breast Cancer. Because it is long
chain Omega-3 fatty acids consistently inhibits the growth
of human breast cancer cells both in culture and in grafts.
EPA and DHA inhibit cyclooxygenase-2, which promotes mammary
carcinogenesis.
Colon cancer - Omega-3 fatty acids supplement
may protect against colon cancer.
Some studies shows that DHA kills cancer cells and fish oil
rich in EPA and DHA help reduce inflammation in the colon.
Depression - Omega-3 fatty acids can provide
valuable relief for the symptoms of depression, especially
the elder, take omega-3 fatty acid rich in EPA and DHA is
very useful to health.
Diabetes - Omega-3 fatty acids can help
lower triglycerides and apoproteins, and raise high density
lipoprotein, so eating foods or taking fish oil supplements
may help people with diabetes.
Hardening of the arteries - Omega-3 rich
in EPA/DHA can slowing blood clots. So it can prevent and
treat atherosclerosis.
Heart disease - Fish oil rich in EPA/DHA
help reduce risk factors for heart disease, including high
cholesterol and high blood pressure, and to lower risk of
death, heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms.
High blood pressure - Omega-3 can be lowering
your blood pressure. Dietary supplementation with Omega-3
can reduce hypertension and prevent and control of blood pressure
levels.
High cholesterol - Clinical studies show
omega 3 fatty acids may help lower triglycerides and increase
HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol).
Inflammatory bowel disease - Studies indicate
that Omega-3s and especially EPA, can be beneficial in many
autoimmune disorders, including arthritis, asthma, inflammatory
bowel disease, lupus and psoriasis.
Macular Degeneration - Some study shows
that those who had a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids reduced
their risk of advanced macular degeneration by about a quarter.
Menstrual pain - Up to 90% of women suffer
from menstrual pain. Research has shown that supplementing
with omega-3 essential fatty acids could alleviate this pain
and suffering.
Osteoporosis - Omega-3 fatty acids may help
to increase calcium levels in bone and help minimize osteoporosis.
Prostate cancer - Omega-3 fatty acids from
fish or fish oil help prevent the development of prostate
cancer. Some studies shows DHA and EPA slow or arrest the
growth of human prostate cancer cells.
Rheumatoid arthritis - Omega-3 has anti-inflammatory
function, which can reduce pain, especially to rheumatoid
arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids is effective supplement except
medications?
Schizophrenia - Omega-3 fatty acids can
be used as complementary treatments for schizophrenia. But
can not be as a substitute of prescribed medications.
Skin disorders - If human body lack of essential
fatty acid will lead to many skin problems. Research suggests
that the youthfulness of skin can be maintained with fish
oil, especifically EPA. Omega-3 fatty acid help to remove
wrinkles gradually,and make you flabby and coarse skin look
elastic and bright.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) - Some
studies suggest that fish oil rich in EPA may help reduce
symptoms of lupus except lupus nephritis, an autoimmune condition
characterized by fatigue and joint pain.
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