The Omega-3 Fatty Acids are something undereaten in the contemporary diet. There are three of these: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Most dietary Omega-3's are ALA. The body knows how to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, although it cannot produce these fatty acids themselves.

The Omega-3's are highly incorporated into brain tissue, and are relevant for neurological psychology -- cognition and behavior, as well as neurological vision.

A proper balance between Omega-3's and Omega-6's is essential for health. The current American diet averages out to 11 or even up to 30 times the Omega-6 over the Omega-3's in the diet. The ratio should be more in the vicinity of 4 times the Omega-6's over Omega-3's, it is estimated.

Due to our lack of Omega-3's in our diet, inflammatory problems appear to be on the rise.

Okay, so where do we get the stuff?

Try cold water ocean fish oils, and certain plant oils.

New Zealand mussels are high in Omega-3's such as EPA and DHA, as are cold water ocean fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and others. You'll find ALA in flaxseed and its oil, and in soybeans and its oil. Pumpkinseed and walnuts also contain Omega-3's.

Some health problems that *may* be alleviated by increasing Omega-3's in the diet: (Some are more "iffy" than others... use common sense and your best judgement.)

High Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
High Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Weight Loss
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Depression
Manic/Depression (Bipolar Disorder)
Schizophrenia
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Eating Disorders
Burns
Skin Disorders
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Asthma
Macular Degeneration
Menstrual Pain
Colon Cancer
Breast Cancer
Prostate Cancer

Omega-3 Info