“Thousands of research studies have documented how the oils known as omega-3 fatty acids can benefit the cardiovascular system, particularly among people diagnosed with coronary artery disease…The most compelling evidence for the cardiovascular benefit provided by omega-3 fatty acids comes from three large controlled trials of 32,000 participants randomized to receive omega-3 fatty acid supplements containing DHA and EPA….These trials showed reductions in cardiovascular events of 19 percent to 45 percent. Overall, these findings suggest that intake of omega-3 fatty acids, whether from dietary sources or fish oil supplements, should be increased, especially in those with or at risk for coronary artery disease.”

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in keeping skin healthy. These acids do not actually moisturize but they do lower the amount of inflammation that takes place.

This process helps develop the lipids in skin. Lipids are molecules which help keep the skin moist.

What’s the best way to get the right amount of Omega-3 fatty acids? Two or three servings of a fatty, deep water fish each week is a good start. Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 to help keep your skin hydrated.

Omega-3 supplements and fish oils are also beneficial.

Omega-3 rich fish oils are creeping onto the radar of pediatricians looking for ways to help children who suffer from learning and developmental challenges.

Fish oils may be proving effective. The problem: a lack of solid research. The promise: that kids suffering from disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may benefit from Omega-3.

Why the interest? Researchers have found that a key ingredient in Omega-3 fatty acids, the so-called long chain DHA, may have something to do with the development of an child’s brain and nervous system. Exactly what that something is, and what kind of a fish oil dosage is best prescribed, remains elusive data.

There have been some limited clinical trials which shed a positive but preliminary light on the subject.

“Grandma was right: cod liver oil is good for you,” says Dr. Edward Hallowell, with the Sudbury, Massachusetts based Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health.

But he cautions us that “It takes more than fish oil to cure A.D.H.D.” When severe disorders need treatment, more advanced medications are typically called for. A concern physicians share is that well-intentioned parents will try Omega-3 supplements and fish oils for too long a period of time before seeking more appropriate medications.

Omega-3 fatty acids are part of Dr. Barry Sears’ world of the Zone Diet.

Dr. Sears suggests that taking an Omega-3 capsule after a meal works to suppress your appetite.

“All of a sudden those urges are knocked out completely,” says Dr. Sears. “It has nothing to do with willpower but controlling the hormones.”

Omega-3 fatty acids provide two key benfeits for the eye. One involves the retina and the other involves macular degeneration.

Here’s how Boston-based physician Dr. Mallika Marshall explains the Omega-3 benefits:

“Try to eat foods that contain Lutein and Omega 3 fish oils. Lutein is a ‘carotenoid’ found in green, leafy vegetables and in egg yolks. It’s an antioxidant that protects not only our eyes by fighting macular degeneration, but our skin. And omega 3 fish oils, which we’ve been hearing so much about lately, are eyes-friendly. It’s a fatty acid that can protect the retina, and help us produce eye fluids. Fatty acids also help protect against macular degeneration and retinitis.”

Omega-3 has the ability to:

1. Lower the heart’s liklihood of developing arrythmias
2. Lower blood triglyceride levels
3. Lower blood cholesterol levels
4. Cut the risk of blood clots
5. Help lower blood pressure
6. Slow the buildup of plaque in the arteries

Dr Anoop Misra, is the Director and Head of the Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at the Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, India.

He is keeping an eye on the impact of a diet rich in Omega-3:

“High intake of fruits and green vegetables can improve one’s skin and hair. High dose of omega-3 fatty acids mostly found in sea fish can decrease inflammation in some disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and reduce the amount of bad cholesterol.”

Source: The Fortis Hospital

Omega-3 rich diets improve insulin sensitivity… another research-based confirmation that Omega-3 plays a key role in maintaining a healthy heart.

Insulin sensitivity is one of the measurements used to determine the risk of heart disease. The higher the insulin sensitivity, the lower the risk of heart disease. The more Omega-3 in our diet, the higher the insulin sensitivity.

Researchers with the Kronos Longevity Research Institute in Phoenix, Arizona have been looking at diets high in Omega-3. They have found that consuming more Omega-3s improves insulin sensitivity.

Dr. S. Mitchell Harman, MD, PhD, is the Director and President at Kronos.

“We concluded that a diet high in omega-3 increases insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammatory markers. As we age, hormone secretion and cell responsiveness decrease, possibly due to loss of cell membrane fluidity or alteration of the membrane. Animal studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may help hormone signals get into cells whose cell membrane has been stiffened by age.”

Source: Kronos Longevity Research Institute

Omega-3 fatty acids have shown in a number of studies that they’re capable of reducing inflammation.

Why is this significant?

Inflammation is typically a sign of trouble. It usually indicates something is not quite right with the vascular tissue. Inflammation may be a reaction to something harmful, ranging from an irritant to a damaged cell.

An inflammation is different from an infection… it is a protective reaction to fix what is wrong. And this is where Omega-3 fits in. Because our bodies tend to take in more Omega-6 fatty acids than Omega-3s, often, our risk of an inflammatory problem is increased.

The term inflammation, by the way, comes from the Latin “inflammatio”, to set on fire. Helping to prevent this fire is one of the benefits of Omega-3.

“They reduce inflammation in the arterial walls and keep blood flowing to the brain.”

That’s the view from Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., R.D., and national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

Your best sources of Omega-3… cold water fish. Dr. Gerbstadt suggests three to four ounces, two to three times a week.

Source: American Dietetic Association