Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fats have a bad reputation and that's because they are associated with obesity, heart disease and many other serious diseases. However, should understand that not all fats have adverse health effects. There are several types of fats: saturated, mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated. Saturated fats are solid and have an animal origin (butter, cream, lard, etc.), the mono-unsaturated are of vegetable origin and is predominantly liquid (olive oil) and poly-unsaturated fats can come from animal sources and vegetables so as oil (fish oil and sunflower oil).

Fatty acids poly-unsaturated include a special category of fat called omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for development and health, they are synthesized in the body. Clinical research in recent years have communicated more information about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids. The reason? The results of these studies indicates that these healthy fats could prevent and treat a range of medical problems.

The mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids occur primarily at the cellular level. It is well known that cell membrane is composed of fatty acids and it is one that allows nutrients to feed cells and to eliminate cellular waste. When the cell membrane is altered physiological process of communication between cells is disrupted and appear formation of malignancies cell. When cell membrane contains omega-3 fatty acids, protects them from attack by free radicals and thus the appearance of cancer cells. Therefore, the protective role of cellular omega-3 fatty acids is essential.

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the production of substances called prostaglandins that play an important role in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, regulation of blood pressure and the production of other hormones. It is important to note and anti-inflammatory role it plays omega-3 fatty acids in the body, especially as they combat inflammation without side effects, as in the case of aspirin or ibuprofen.

Because of the miraculous properties they have on the body, omega-3 fatty acids are recommended for the prevention and treatment of many diseases:

asthma;
cancer;
visually impaired attention and hyperactivity;
depression;
diabetes;
eczema;
hypertension;
obesity;
rheumatism.

Food sources of omega-3 fatty acids are multiple and convenient: flax seeds, salmon, cod, tuna, nuts, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, soy, etc..

Deficiency causes omega-3 fatty acids are often lack of dietary intake of these fats or their inadequate absorption in the body. So, for a better absorption of these healthy fats, consider these vitamins B3, B6, C, magnesium and zinc.
Recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids varies with age, sex, general health, within 1.1 to 4 g.

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