What is Omega 3 Fish Oil?
Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements
What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
Fish Oil, everybody and their parents are taking it, but why? It makes me happy to see people getting off the “fats are bad for us” bandwagon; however I am willing to bet most people don’t know why they’re taking this wonderful supplement. Due to the importance of this subject, I am turning this into a 3 part article; what are Omega 3 fatty acids, the benefits, and how much should we be taking to pack on lean muscle.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids are Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids that are essential to our health (Essential means that we must consume these nutrients through our diet because our bodies cannot make them). Omega 3 Fatty Acids are made up of Long Chain Omega 3’s (DHA, EPA) and Short Chain Fatty Acids (ALA).
Omega 3 Fatty Acids DHA and EPA are the mega nutrients! DHA is the main fatty acid found in the brain, eyes and nerves! DHA has been shown to help with cell and brain development (memory, behavior, mood). Check out this article for multiple studies showing the effects of Omega-3’s in both elderly and young with brain disorders (dementia,ADHD). EPA is more responsible for delivering blood to the brain affecting mood and behavior.
The Short Chain Fatty Acid included in the Omega 3 group is Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). This fatty acid is often added to foods for marketing purposes. However the truth is that ALA’s are inferior to DHA/EPA because it must be converted over to DHA/EPA before it can be used.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids and our Cells
Our bodies are made of many cells. Messages are sent and received in the cells that make up our bodies. The importance of Omega 3’s and our cells lie on the shipping and receiving department. Every cell in our body (including fat cells) is surrounded by a cell membrane. The membrane is the protector, allowing messages in and out (like I am hungry or full). If these type messages are not transported, your brain will never get the message that you have eaten enough and your appetite will never be filled.
The fluidity/rigidity of the membrane is dependent on what it is made of. Saturated fats tend to harden the membrane, while unsaturated fats (like Omega 3) allow the membrane to soften to allow messages in and out. There must be a happy median. If the diet is too high in saturated fat, no message will be delivered because it cannot access the cell. When the membrane is working effeciently, messages get sent and we stay lean while building muscle.
It is easy to see why this is important. Many people today are not getting enough healthy fats and due to an unhealthy diet, messages may not be getting
communicated as efficiently as they could be…leading to overeating.
Fish Oil, everybody and their parents are taking it, but why? It makes me happy to see people getting off the “fats are bad for us” bandwagon; however I am willing to bet most people don’t know why they’re taking this wonderful supplement. Due to the importance of this subject, I am turning this into a 3 part article; what are Omega 3 fatty acids, the benefits, and how much should we be taking to pack on lean muscle.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids are Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids that are essential to our health (Essential means that we must consume these nutrients through our diet because our bodies cannot make them). Omega 3 Fatty Acids are made up of Long Chain Omega 3’s (DHA, EPA) and Short Chain Fatty Acids (ALA).
Omega 3 Fatty Acids DHA and EPA are the mega nutrients! DHA is the main fatty acid found in the brain, eyes and nerves! DHA has been shown to help with cell and brain development (memory, behavior, mood). Check out this article for multiple studies showing the effects of Omega-3’s in both elderly and young with brain disorders (dementia,ADHD). EPA is more responsible for delivering blood to the brain affecting mood and behavior.
The Short Chain Fatty Acid included in the Omega 3 group is Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). This fatty acid is often added to foods for marketing purposes. However the truth is that ALA’s are inferior to DHA/EPA because it must be converted over to DHA/EPA before it can be used.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids and our Cells
Our bodies are made of many cells. Messages are sent and received in the cells that make up our bodies. The importance of Omega 3’s and our cells lie on the shipping and receiving department. Every cell in our body (including fat cells) is surrounded by a cell membrane. The membrane is the protector, allowing messages in and out (like I am hungry or full). If these type messages are not transported, your brain will never get the message that you have eaten enough and your appetite will never be filled.
The fluidity/rigidity of the membrane is dependent on what it is made of. Saturated fats tend to harden the membrane, while unsaturated fats (like Omega 3) allow the membrane to soften to allow messages in and out. There must be a happy median. If the diet is too high in saturated fat, no message will be delivered because it cannot access the cell. When the membrane is working effeciently, messages get sent and we stay lean while building muscle.
It is easy to see why this is important. Many people today are not getting enough healthy fats and due to an unhealthy diet, messages may not be getting
communicated as efficiently as they could be…leading to overeating.
