Nowadays, people recognize the importance of omega 3 fatty acids on the immune system. Omega 3s are known for reducing inflammation, within the human body. There are a vast number of conditions that are said to be positively affected by the consumption of these fatty acids.
Research has shown that while the omega 3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) cannot necessarily prevent a condition from coming on, it can indeed in many cases, improve a person’s overall health and well-being by improving and strengthening the body to help you fight an ailment. While thinking about how to get enough omega 3 in your system, many people consider supplements like fish oil however, they are not the only option.
Many people can also enjoy a vast variety of foods that have the same great effect on the body as supplements. Some popular choices include fish products like haddock and tuna, seeds such as flax and pumpkin and many vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage to name but a mere few food choices available to help you.
The amount of omega 3 fatty acids necessary for a person to consume on a regular basis in order to maintain optimal health is likely to be different from person-to-person. Factors such as age and the overall health and whether or not a woman may be pregnant or nursing is among some of the main considerations that will play a role in deciding how much is needed in the diet.
Many medical conditions are known to put stress on the body. Incorporating enough of these fatty acids in your diet, whether through food or supplementation can make huge difference in your overall health. Challenges such as blood sugar, heart health, arthritis, high blood pressure, and cholesterol are among some of the many health challenges that are indirectly linked to the immune system and may see substantial improvement over time with the proper consumption of DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the two most studied of the omega 3 fatty acids.
Omega 3 fatty acids cannot actually be produced by the human body by itself so, it is important to keep this in mind when considering what it is that you need to keep you immune system strong and healthy. It is also a favorable choice for many people who are looking to simply strike a balance of healthy versus some of the more unhealthy fats that get consumed regularly, keeping a healthy balance can also help stabilize and improve the immune system. Over consumption of Omega 6 fatty acids paired with the under consumption of omega 3 fatty acids is a common situation due to our modern diets.
Regardless of whether or not you are in perfect health or are dealing with health issues, people considering taking fish oil supplements or changing their diet should take the time to discuss the changes with their family physician or health care professional. He or she can offer insight into how much supplementation or changes in the diet are necessary in order to reach your optimal health goals safely and effectively.
While not all of the positive effects of omega three fatty acids and how they can directly affect the human body are yet completely clear, there is little doubt at this time, most people can expect great things from this natural source whether you are choosing to supplement your diet with capsules or a favorite food.
Source:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases J Am Coll Nutr December 2002 vol. 21 no. 6 495-505
