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Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that can be found in fish and flax seeds. It is vital to our health that we consume omega 3 fatty acids as part of our diet, because it is not created naturally in the human body.
History
The importance of consuming omega 3 fatty acids has been known only since the late 1970s, when researchers found that the Inuits had low levels of heart disease despite their high fat diets. They concluded that the high levels of omega 3 fatty acids that the Inuit people consumed in the fish they ate protected their hearts.
Benefits
Omega 3 fatty acids play a large role in our overall health by protecting against heart disease, maintaining proper brain function, lowering high cholesterol and preventing high blood pressure.
How Much
The American Heart Association recommends that healthy individuals consume fish two or three times a week to ensure that they get adequate amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. Individuals with coronary heart disease should also take an omega 3 supplement under the advisement of their physician.
Vegetarian Sources
Vegetarians can get their recommended allowance of omega 3 fatty acids by consuming flax seeds, flax oil or a vegetarian supplement.
Potential
Although the research connecting omega 3 fatty acids and heart health is strongest, these essential fatty acids have been shown to improve a variety of physical and mental health conditions such as attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, asthma, menstrual pain, colon cancer and Lyme disease. Further research is necessary, however, to confirm the link between omega 3 fatty acids and these conditions.
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