Foods Containing Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

By Melanie Caplan


ALA from perilla is already available in some countries and krill, shrimp-like creatures abundant in the Antarctic Ocean, are being targeted by a Canadian company as a future Omega-3 source. Krill oil contains 25% Omega-3 EPA and DHA.

Genetic modification is also being explored, with one experiment inserting genes which will produce long-chain Omega-3 polyunsaturates into existing oilseed varieties. Another uses gene transfer technology to directly convert Omega-6 polyunsaturates to their Omega-3 counterparts.

Omega 3 works to fight again the principal cholesterol culprit that causes clotting of the blood. These clots then block blood vessels causing heart attacks or, if they reach the brain, strokes.

There are many foods containing omega 3 fatty acids in small amounts, but these foods usually contain omega 6 fatty acids as well, so in order to maintain the best balance doctors often recommend omega 3 supplements. Short chain omega 3 foods are plant sources like flaxseed, chia, purslane, lingonberry, and hemp. These are foods containing omega 3 fatty acids known as ALA. The body must convert this ALA to the long chain omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. However, this conversion happens inefficiently in many people for various reasons.

When it comes to meat, good omega 3 foods are: organic eggs (look for ones that say high omega 3 content on the label, which you can find at most supermarkets nowadays); and look to purchase grassfed meats -- such as grassfed beef, chicken, lamb, etc. These are much more pricy than typical store bought meats -- you have to go to specialty stores or your local farmer's market usually to find them.

The most obvious method, eating suitable fish regularly, isn't practical for everybody, as again - not everyone enjoys fish, some people are even allergic to it and, of course, vegetarians and vegans don't eat fish. Fortunately there are a wide range of supplements on the market for those people.

Many doctors recommend that vegan diets include an algae oil supplement, since such people will not use the best omega 3 source -- high quality fish oil supplements -- because algae oil contains DHA and EPA fatty acids.

The most common foods containing omega 3 fatty acids of the long chain variety are fish. Because of mercury contamination risks, doctors and environmental experts make the following recommendations: avoid fish that come from the Atlantic Ocean which is particularly polluted.

In short, the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 oils is way off kilter for optimal health.

Omega 3's can also be found in a wide range of other foods including vegetables and processed foods; however, the levels are negligible and provide no significant health benefits. Vegetarian Omega-3 supplements are available, usually as flaxseed (linseed) oil.

EPA and DHA Omega 3 are found almost exclusively in aquatic plants and animals. They are synthesized by phytoplankton, which are consumed by fish, mollusks and crustaceans and thus concentrated in the aquatic food chain.




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