The Omega-3 Movement

You are likely familiar with or have heard of omega-3 fatty acids, the essential fatty acid (essential meaning we have to eat it because our bodies don’t make it) found in cold water fish, walnuts and canola oil.  These polyunsaturated fatty acids play significant roles in reducing inflammation responses, blood clotting and plasma triglycerides and are used to synthesize hormone-like compounds called Eicosanoids.  These compounds help to regulate different functions in the body including body temperature, sleep and wake cycles, blood pressure and many others.

Along with all of these great benefits to eating omega-3 fatty acids, a recent study conducted by scientists at Oregon State University (OSU) has discovered that omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, has an even wider range of biological functions than previously understood.  The researchers observed that supplements of DHA that were being used to reduce blood triglycerides had noticeable effects on vitamin and carbohydrate metabolism, protein and amino acid function and lipid metabolism.  Through these pathways, it seems as if increasing your intake of DHA can help prevent metabolic damage.

Other studies done at OSU have concluded that DHA is far more effective than EPA at reducing the proteins involved in liver fibrosis, which is a consequence of chronic liver disease.  This research has established that the main target of DHA in the liver is inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis, all of which are precursors to serious liver problems.  With these new findings, it is possible that increasing your levels of DHA can help prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

With all of this extensive research being done on omega-3 fatty acids and the obvious benefits it has to our health, you should consider increasing or introducing this nutrient into your meal plan.  Rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids include cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel, walnuts, flaxseed, hemp oil, canola oil and soybean oil.  If you are not a fish eater, you can also get adequate amounts of omega-3’s with fish oil and flaxseed oil supplements.

Your turn to take action: How will you incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your meal plan?

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