Benefits of an Omega-3 DHA Supplement

Benefits of an Omega-3 DHA Supplement

Recently there have been some well-publicised studies into the positive effects of Omega-3 supplements on children’s behaviour and on their ability to concentrate and learn. But, whilst you are sure to have heard about Omega-3 oil through such media reports during the last couple of years, you may not realise the full list of benefits that have been attributed to Omega-3 oils.

The health benefits of Omega-3 oils are said to include: Better Cardiovascular Health - Studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for heart health, can increase HDL while lowering LDL cholesterol, lower mild hypertension due to cardiovascular disease, help avoid blood clots, reduce heart irregularities and improve some circulatory problems.

Reduced Allergies - Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help prevent the development of allergies and protect against symptoms of hay fever, sinus infections, asthma, food allergies and eczema.

Improved Skin Health - This oil has also been seen to reduce inflammation in the skin of persons with psoriasis and generally improve the health of skin, nails, and hair.

Benefits for Diabetes sufferers - Research indicates that Omega-3 is beneficial to type II diabetics by helping to regulate blood sugar levels and reducing insulin resistance.

Supporting Eye Health – Helping to lower the risk of vision loss related to aging and to improve overall eye function.

Improved Brain Function – Omega-3 (especially DHA) has been shown to improve mood disorders such as depression, to positively affect mental function and curb aggression. In addition, it has been seen to support the formation and repair of brain cells - improving conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Alzheimer’s disease - and to improve memory, concentration and the ability to learn.

Boosting Immune System - It has been shown to improve the immune system, and research has also linked taking a Omega-3 supplement to a lowered risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Lowered Risk of Inflammatory Diseases – These include diseases such as asthma.

Aiding Women’s Health – Before the menopause, it is thought that it can benefit women by releasing natural menstrual pain relieving substances, as well as helping after the menopause by lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

But what is Omega-3 and where does it come from? Omega-3 is a class of fatty acids. These are the building blocks of fat and are absolutely essential to our health. As our bodies can’t manufacture them they must be obtained from food or supplements. Important nutritional essential omega-3 fatty acids are: a-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Of these, the most important for our bodies is DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid).

DHA is an omega-3, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and it is the primary building block of the human brain tissue and eye. The human brain is about 60% fat, and DHA is one of the crucial structural fatty acids in both the brain and the retina. Approximately 30% of the structural lipid in the grey matter of the brain is DHA. Thus, it is required for the proper functioning of the neural systems.

Omega-3 is available from some plants (such as flaxseed) as well as fish. Although fish do contain omega-3 fatty acids, they, like us, do not synthesize them; they obtain them from the algae in their diet. For this reason, there is often a significant difference in EPA and DHA concentrations between different fish, depending on where they have obtained their food (eg. Farmed vs wild)

Whilst plant sources like Flaxseed Oil contain ALA, which the body then converts in to EPA and DHA, there is another none animal source which contains DHA itself. This is the very place where the fish themselves obtain it… Algae. This is the source of the Omega-3 DHA that is used in the Deva Omega-3 DHA supplement available from Green Valley Online. The DHA used in Deva Omega-3 DHA is derived from algae grown under sanitary manufacturing conditions. It is clean, safe, free of contaminants, and, like all products available from Green Valley, suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Now that you have seen the broad range of health benefits that have been attributed to Omega-3 you may wish to try it for yourself. Click here for more details and purchasing information.