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:

1. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158610.php
2. http://www.areds2.org/
3. The American Dietetic Associations Evidence Analysis Library
4. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/HeartHealth/story?id=8240586&page=1

Tags: health, omega 3

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