Omega 3 - The Beneficial Effects
Omega-3 fatty acids (also known as n-3 fatty acids) are chemical compounds that naturally occur in some fats and oils. As one of the "essential" fatty acids, Omega-3 oils are required for normal growth, but they also provide a wealth of other benefits.
Omega 3 oils have many beneficial effects, including reducing the risk of thrombotic stroke and heart disease, reducing cholesterol, improving immune system activity, and stimulating blood circulation while reducing blood pressure. They have also been linked with positive effects in schizophrenia treatment, as well as being considered a "brain food" for many years, although without significant scientific evidence.
Fish oil is the most popular source of Omega 3 oil. Other sources include eggs and walnuts. Fish from cold- water contains more omega 3 oil seven times more than the other types of fish. Cold-water fish rich in omega 3 oil include mackerel, sardines, anchovies, salmon and herring. Tuna also have omega 3 oils although to a lesser degree.
Nobody can deny from usage of Omega 3 oils for the health. A recent search by Food and Drug Administration shows existence of heavy metal poisoning in oily fish to produce omega 3 oils. Cold water fish may have dangerous weighty metals like Arsenic, lead, nickel, mercury, and cadmium. Therefore your source of fish or Omega 3 oils is crucially significant.
Omega-3 fish oils can provide amazing health benefits such as providing migraine relief. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been known to reduce blood pressure and increase circulation. The vascular theory of migraine headaches shows that the pain of headaches is caused by the flow of blood to the brain being limited which causes the blood vessels to dilate producing swelling. By taking omega-3 oils the blood flow is drastically enhanced which reduces the chance of headaches.
The increased circulation brought on by the intake of omega-3 oils also has other beneficial effects, particularly in the heart. Regular consumption of omega-3 oils reduces blood triglyceride levels, in turn reducing the risk of heart attack. In addition, omega-3 oils break down a compound known as fibrin which is involved in forming clots and scar tissue, reducing the risk of clotting that could lead to a stroke or infarction.
Although flaxseed oil, eggs and walnuts are also source of omega 3 oils, fish is the most potent one. Salmon, sardines, tuna and anchovies have the highest omega 3 concentration - up to seven times more than other kinds of fish. A reduction in blood pressure and a consequent improvement in circulation of the blood is one of the many effects of this oil. This may explain the migraine relief effects of this oil, since the pain experienced by headache sufferers is caused by dilation of blood vessels, which is triggered by reduced blood flow in the brain.
Published May 24th, 2008
Filed in Travel