Omega 3 fatty acids have a carbon to carbon double bond in the n-3 position hence their name. They are considered to be essential nutrients and need to be obtained from food.
They have many health properties here are just a few:
- Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to be protective for the eyes in a study done in Mice a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids was shown to reduce retinal lesions.
- Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of arrthymias and fatal heart disease in those supplemented with them.
- In post menopausal woman those who had more oily fish or a diet rich in omega 3 had a slower progression of atherosclerosis.
- Omega 3 fatty acids have been clinically proven to lower triglycerides a blood lipid known as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
It is due to these reasons that recently scientists have been debating whether or not to issue a recommended daily intake like protein or other nutrients have.
Currently the The American Heart Association already recommends:
- that in people with cardiovascular disease they should consume 1000mg/day
- for healthy adults 500mg/day or the equivalent of 2 servings of oily fish a week, such as salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna and sardines.
Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in many food items such as oily fish, ostrich, lamb, flaxseed, enriched eggs and walnuts.
References:
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158610.php
- http://www.areds2.org/
- The American Dietetic Associations Evidence Analysis Library
- http://abcnews.go.com/Health/HeartHealth/story?id=8240586&page=1
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