Omega-3 fatty acids are critical to proper bodily function but are not produced or synthesized by the body. Therefore, omega-3s must be acquired through an external source such as diet or supplementation. Omega-3s are known for their numerous health benefits such as reducing inflammation, decreasing the risk of neurological and cardiovascular disease, supporting eye and brain function among other benefits.
At high doses they also make abnormal heart rhythms less likely and lower your level of blood fat called triglycerides. They can also slow plaque buildup inside the blood vessels.
Omega-3s are a family of fats that are important for health and come from different forms:
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) -This fatty acid helps reduce inflammation and improves mood by producing chemicals called eicosanoids.
- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) – A fatty acid that is crucial for normal brain function and development. It makes up to 8% brain weight.
- Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) – The body mainly uses its 18-carbon fatty acid for energy.
There are three different omega fats. Though omega-3, 6 and 9 are all unsaturated acids with many health benefits, they are all different from each other with respect to the position of their chemical structures – double bonds – and therefore, also differ in their properties and health benefits.
Omega-3 and 6 are polyunsaturated fatty acids – “Poly”, which means many and “unsaturated” indicating double bonds. Omega-3 refers to the position of the final double bond in the chemical structure and it is three carbon atoms from the “omega” molecular chain.
Omega-6 is different from omega-3 as the last double bond is six carbon atoms from the omega end of the fatty acid molecule.
Omega-9 are monounsaturated fatty acids which means that they have only one double bond. it is located nine carbon atoms from the omega end of the fatty acid molecule.
While omega-3 and 6 cannot be made by our body and are called essential fats. Omega-9 can be produced by our body.
In Dr. Keith L. Block’s book “Life over Cancer” he writes that omega-3 fatty acids can reverse tumor metastasis as well as a tumor’s resistance to radiation and chemotherapy and may also enhance the effectiveness and minimize the toxic side effects of some chemotherapy drugs.
While omega-6 fatty acids are least beneficial they are essential. Healthy people need four times as much omega-6s as omega-3s, but can be less beneficial for cancer patients.
The body transforms omega-3s into prostaglandins that quell inflammation. Omega-6s are turned into pro-inflammation fatty acids.
Inflammation can make your internal environments more hospitable to cancer cells, for one thing it stimulates the formation of new blood vessels. This process is called angiogenesis that allows tumors to grow and spread.
Omega-6s can also stimulate the production of tumor promoting growth factors and activate a cancer-promoting gene called rs-p21, which leads to uncontrolled cell replication and tumor growth.
If the body is processing lots of omega-6s it cannot process enough omega-3s, it is as if these metabolic pathways, or “fat tracks” as Dr. Block calls them must both pass through the same narrow tunnel.
Dr. Block also states that if more omega-6s are getting through, fewer omega-3s can.
OMEGA 9s:
Omega-9s appears to have profound anti-cancer effects including suppressing the breast cancer gene HER2/neu, the molecule target of the blockbuster drug Herceptin.
Omega 3:
- Forms a vital part of cell membranes
- Supports mental health
- Improves heart health
- Supports health weight management
- Shown to reduce inflammation
- Supports infant brain development
- Promotes brain health
Omega 6:
- Shown to reduce nerve pain
- Supports bone health
- Shown to decrease blood pressure
- Shown to lower heart disease risk
- Shown to help alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Omega 9:
- Shown to reduce cardiovascular disease risk
- Acts as a substitute in case of low levels of omega 3 and 6
Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acid intakes in the Western diet is typically low compared to recommended intakes. Omega 3, 6, 9 supplements encompass the benefits provided by all individual fatty acids, and provide a balanced amount of all three acids. These supplements can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, keep skin healthy, improve mood, enhance brain function and maintain cardiovascular health and support healthy growth and development.
We take our omega oil in the form of Cod Live Oil lemon flavor liquid. Other good sources are fatty fish like salmon.
