Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the best ways to improve your overall health. A few of the many benefits include:
Improves memory, concentration, and focus
Lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol
Lowers risk of heart attack, heart disease and stroke
Lowers blood pressure
Reduces risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancer
Reduces Inflammation
Raises IQ in children whose mother consumed omega 3’s during pregnancy
Improves skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema
Types of supplements
With all of the different types of supplements available, it’s difficult to know what the best choice is. Omega 3 supplements come in two forms: fish oils and plant oils. The most common fish oils are cod liver oil and krill oil. The aforementioned benefits are attributed to the DHA and EPA found in fish oils.
Plant oils most commonly come in the form of flaxseed oil or pumpkin seed oil. The beneficial ingredient in these supplements is ALA. In order to receive the same benefits from fish oils, your body has to first convert the ALA to DHA and EPA. This process is difficult for people with preexisting health conditions and the elderly. Because of this, benefits derived from omega 3’s are significantly more pronounced in fish oil supplements than plant oils. Some doctors also believe plant oils cause hormone fluctuations, so they are not always recommended for pregnant women. (Fish oils are OK.) On the plus side, plant supplements tend to be cheaper and have a more pleasant smell and taste. If you’re in good health and have a serious aversion to fish, try a supplement made from plant oil.