10 Reasons To Go MEGA On OMEGA 3's

I know you’ve heard the terms “fatty acid” and “omega 3″ before, but do you know what a fatty acid is or why your body needs it? What foods you can naturally find them in and how much your body needs to live a long, healthy life?

Fatty acids are important for all systems of the body to function normally, including your skin, respiratory system, circulatory system, brain and organs.

What is Omega-3 Fatty Acid?

Omega-3 fatty acid (Alpha-linolenic acid) is an essential fatty acid that plays an important role in brain function and may help you fight against cardiovascular disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in:

Grains
Spirulina
Brazil Nuts
Hempseed Oil
Mustard Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds

Chia Seed Oil
Wheat Germ Oil
Canola Oil (Rapeseed)
Green Leafy Vegetables
Raw Walnuts & Walnut Oil
Flaxseeds or Flaxseed Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids are the brain-boosting, cholesterol-clearing good fats needed by the body. It is 1 of the 5 critical supplements every woman should take, 1 of 5 daily nutrition needs and as one of the most important steps expecting mother's can take to promote their baby's healthy development. There are 3 basic forms of omega-3:

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in English walnuts and vegetable oils like flaxseed, soybean and olive which the body eventually, but in small quantities, converts to DHA.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found primarily in fish oil, this is the ultimate form of fatty acid in humans. Most people get far too little of this all-important fatty acid, especially since the conversion of ALA to DHA is slow and minimally yielding. Getting a daily dose of of DHA (600 to 1000 mg) from supplements is preferable to reap the health benefits. You have a choice of taking a fish oil supplement or one derived from algae or krill, a shrimp-like crustacean.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is also found in fish oil, so it's absorbed if you're taking a daily dose of DHA omega-3.

What to look for when buying fish-oil supplements:

Fish oil supplements vary in the amounts and ratios of DHA and EPA they contain. For example, salmon oil naturally contains more DHA than EPA; a supplement derived from algae may only contain DHA. Krill oil contains significant amounts of both EPA and DHA. Read the labels and remember whatever supplement you buy, it must have at least 600 mg of DHA.
Be aware that only about one-third of the oil from fish is rich in EPA and DHA. Many supplements also contain vitamin E or other antioxidants to stabilize the oils and prevent them from becoming sour. If you choose to buy a fish-oil supplement, check the label carefully to see if it recommends refrigeration to prevent spoiling.
Most brands of fish oil have been proven safe, free of detectable traces of mercury, and do not contain unsafe levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), a toxin and pollutant believed to pose various health threats. To avoid contaminants in an unrefined supplement, it's best to choose a fish-oil supplement made from small, oily fish like anchovy, sardines or menhaden.

Here's how a daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids can improve and protect vital aspects of your body's daily functioning:

Lubricates joints Helps provide the lubrication joints need to function at an effective level. By keeping joints lubed, you experience less grinding and less overall wear and tear – and thereby – less pain as you age.
Decreases inflammation in inflamed joints.
Fights Wrinkles: As we age, fat cells in our skin's third layer thin out and tend to get a bit bumpier; omega-3s help make that layer thicker and smooth. The effect? Wrinkles go away and skin becomes fuller.
Protects Vision: Our eyes' retinas are a membranous structures and the whole eye is covered in a soft double layer of membranes, making your eyes' health dependent on the liver (who knew?). The liver helps metabolize fat-soluble vitamins that feed and maintain those membranes. If you're deficient in DHA, it affects how we see by delaying the system that converts light into neural energy in the retina.
Pumps the Heart: Omega-3s reduce triglycerides, stabilize your heartbeat, make platelets "less sticky" and can even lower blood pressure. The EPA you get with your daily DHA dose helps prevent artery-blocking clots. In the Iowa Nurses Study (and 3 others), 1 ounce of nuts a day decreased the incidence of heart disease between 20 and 60 percent.
Attacks Acne: It may surprise you to know that an inadequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids contributes to breakout-prone skin. Trade sugar (and meat) for avocados, walnuts, salmon or trout to help control acne.
It Lowers Cholesterol Levels: Boosts levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) and helps clear your arteries.
Boosts Brain Power: In keeping your arteries clear, you're immediately improving brain function. They also alter your neurotransmitters to help reduce depression.
Enhances Fertility: Improves fertility rates in both males and females by improving sperm's swimming ability and the environment for implantation in women.
Important For Expectant Mothers: Omega-3 fatty acids directly affect brain development, making it crucial for expectant mothers. Additionally, research indicates they decrease a mother's risk of depression. When the mother doesn't have enough of these essential fatty acids, the baby borrows from her. Some prenatal vitamins now include omega-3s, so be sure to check the label or grab a handful of walnuts each day.