Omega 3 supplementation is known, by scientists, to reduce cardiovascular disease and heart attack; reduce incidence of some cancers; boost the immune system; improve brain health (the brain is two thirds omega 3 fat!!) and benefit arthritis - especially rheumatoid arthritis.
Omega 3 And Omega 6
In the early 1960s it was found that omega 6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid, was converted to produce prostaglandins in the body. These substances cause inflammation in the tissues of the body, which is found to be linked with many - if not most - disease. During the 1970s, other inflammatory substances were discovered which could come from omega 6 including thromboxanes, prostacyclins and the leukotrienes. Collectively, these substances are know as eicosanoids.
The eicosanoids have important biological functions. They do not generally live long, but if large amounts are produced, then there is a net excess in the body which is what causes the damage.
Omega 3 also creates these potentially damaging eicosanoids, but they are made much more slowly, and so are less damaging. As the omega 6 and omega 3 fats compete to be broken down into eicosanoids, having extra omega 3 in the diet, and less omega 6, means that the omega 3 'wins' in being converted. This has a net benefit in terms of body inflammation.
Eicosanoids
There are four families of eicosanoids — the PROSTANOIDS - prostaglandins, prostacyclins and the thromboxanes; and the LEUKOTRIENES.
Here is a closer look at the Leukotrienes.
Leukotrienes
Leukotrienes are made from arachidonic acid by an enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase. Also closely associated with leukotriene production is the creation of histamine - which accompanies inflammation such as asthma, bronchitis and anaphylactic shock.
In asthma, leukotrienes cause, or make worse, obstruction of the lung airways - and they also increase mucus production. Anaphylactic shock is an extreme form of this condition, caused by a certain type of leukotrienes called cysteinyl leukotrienes
Omega 3 - Vital for Health
So much has been discovered about omega 3 and omega 6 since the early 1960s.this has been scientific discovery, which gives it a great deal of credence. However, this information has still to pass fully through too many journalists, doctors, and members of the general population.
Everybody knows they are being recommended to eat oily fish twice a week. Just as everybody knows that they should be eating five portions of fruit or vegetables a day. However, not everyone does it.
Oily fish is all very well, but with it comes the danger of accumulating excess toxins in our body - especially mercury. This is why we are recommended to eat it only twice a week.
A good recommendation is to eat it more often than this, but go for the least polluted fish you can find - which is generally believed to be the Alaskan wild salmon. In the UK, this is certainly available in Waitrose supermarket.
Taking an omega 3 supplement every day the smartest move any adult can make in terms of a daily supplement. It is easy to take, and should be easy to remember. It is certainly very good for your health.
Article Directory : http://www.articlecube.com
