The fatty acid Omega-3 has been the topic of discussion ranging from a treatment for prostate cancer to treatment of mood disorders. Although numerous wide-reaching studies have shown positive and negligible results, grants for studies and participants roll on.
Why? It has been proven that Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly as found in fish like mackerel (highest content/weight ratio) and salmon, prevent and aid those who have cardiovascular disease. When you start throwing the human heart into the fray of what's good for it, and there's a compound isolated proven to help keep it healthy, there will be no shortage of interest. What's good for the heart may good for all the heart supports: the brain, the rest of the vital organs, the health of our blood itself.
The problem with relying on fish for our daily intake of Omega-3 is that today's fish have much higher levels of mercury than those that our ancestors ate. So, where can you get your Omega-3?
Flaxseed oil is one alternative source, as recommended in this UC Berkeley Wellness letter. Walnuts, and grasses are high in Omega-3 as well, but most people don't graze and walnuts are pretty high in calories. Flaxseed and organically farmed salmon supplements are the easiest way to get your O-3s.
Omega-6 is found in vegetable oils, and in the US particularly corn oil. Over-engineering of corn, and pretty much every processed food, has resulted in a skewed balance of O-3s to O-6s. The ideal ratio is 1 to 2:1, O-3s to O-6s. In the US it can be as high as 1:50.
Both these polyunsaturated fats are essential to growth and maintaining proper brain function, as well as cellular health. Learn about the polyunsaturated (PUSF) family and the way our body uses each. We cannot synthesize these fats from our staple foods the way most animals can. The Healthweb has more information.

Broke Stars: 11 Celebrities Who Went Bankrupt
Adele Five-Year Break? Singer Plans to Focus on Relationship, Write 'Happy Record'
Social Security Is Failing Even Faster Than We Thought
Man Says Starbucks Discriminated Against Him Because He Has Half An Arm
Chris Brown, Grammys 2012: Embattled Singer Slams Critics
Ford's clever Sports Illustrated Swimsuit ad features phantom model
Trace Adkins Reunites With College Crush, 30 Years Later
3 Economic Misconceptions That Need to Die
Van Gogh's Starry Night modded into beautiful interactive light and sound show (video)
'Hooker Teacher' Forced To Resign, Now Can't Find Work
Lauren Scruggs Goes On Ski Vacation












9-05-2006 @1:38PM james b said... After growing up on the Gulf coast, I just can't stomach the fish in the landlocked state where I live now. And though I tried it, I'm not in a huge hurry to go get flax seeds and grind them up. Ground flax is disgusting. I get my Omega-n from walnuts. I just dump a bunch on my oatmeal, and it tastes good!
Reply
9-05-2006 @3:15PM jenny williams said... Dont get them from mission heart healthy tortillas though!! I was enraged to find trans fats in the ingredients. Its pure evil to market something as heart healthy and hide nasty stuff like that in them!
Reply
9-05-2006 @3:37PM taylor said... As to the Mercury levels see http://www.fishscam.com/ for the alternative viewpoint
Reply
11-08-2006 @3:51PM Lisa said... if you don't like fish or are concerned about contamination, there is a new line of dairy products--milk, cheese and yogurt with omega 3 fish oil. yep, fish oil, but you can't taste it. easy and convenient way to get omegas. Omega Farms at Whole Foods and other specialty grocery stores.
Reply