Research is coming out all the time about the benefits of Omega 3s. Recently they have been found to prevent Alzheimer’s, while they are also recognised as being beneficial for heart health, brain development, and joint mobility.What many people don’t realise is that while we need both Omega 3s (from oily fish) and Omega 6s (from sunflower, sesame and corn oil) there is an imbalance in the diet.
Today many foods are processed using sunflower and corn oil which contain Omega 6s, yet less and less people eat fish so the ratio of Omega 6s to 3s in our daily diet has gone up from 4:1 to 16:1.
Omega 6s overwhelm the Omega 3s in the body, resulting in inflammation which can lead to:
| • | heart disease |
| • | cancer |
| • | diabetes |
| • | hypertension |
| • | arthritis |
| • | asthma |
Fish oils and plant-based alternatives such as flaxseed oil (linseed oil) contain essential fatty acids – Omega 3s, while safflower, sesame and corn oils and seeds contain Omega 6s.
Children’s brain development
Author of the LCP Solution, The Remarkable Nutritional Treatment for ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Jacqueline Stordy claims, ‘Omega 3 and Omega 6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) are key structural components of the brain and eye, and are extremely important when it comes to behaviour concentration and learning ability.
‘Research has shown that children with learning and behavioural disorders may have problems converting shorter chain essential fatty acids into long chain ones such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and AA (arachidonic acid) which are both vital for healthy brain and eye function.
Supplements aren’t just important for children with learning difficulties but for all growing children to ensure healthy brain development.
Eating fish
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends that everyone eats a portion of oily fish once a week:
• Herrings
• Mackerel
• Tuna
• Salmon
This is not always easy with fussy eaters so supplementing with a good fish oil, combination of fish and other oils or flaxseed or linseed oil is often the answer.
There is much controversy about fish due to pollution in the seas and fish farming, but most experts believe that the benefits outweigh the problems. However, some of the supermarkets sell organically farmed or wild salmon which ensures that the fish have not been subject to toxic chemicals used in fish farming.
Supplements vary as to their quality too so it is better not to choose the cheapest one on the market (see end of article for recommendations).
Vegetarian alternatives
Omega 6s:
Evening primrose oil (supplements)
Starflower oil (supplements)
Sunflower and safflower seeds/oil
Corn oil
Maize and soya bean oil
Wheatgerm oil
Omega 3s:
Flaxseed oil/linseeds
Hemp seed and oil
Pumpkin seeds
Walnuts and its oil
Eskimos have healthy hearts
Essential fatty acids help to lower the incidence of heart attacks too. This was recognised because the Inuits of Greenland who eat mainly fish and fish-eating mammals rich in Omega 3s had a lower incidence of heart attacks than western countries.
Getting older
In his book Optimum Nutrition of the Mind, Patrick Holford emphasises the importance of Omega 3 fats in keeping the mind healthy and preventing dementia or Alzheimer’s. They are also highly recommended for aches and pains associated with ageing and can therefore do a lot of good if supplemented at this age.
Women going through the menopause are often recommended to take a good combination of essential fatty acids such as Efamarine or Efamol to ease aches and pains and balance the hormones.
| Featured products | |||
| Efamarine | Efamol | 90 x 500mg | £9.99 |
| Efalex | Efamol | 60 | £6.99 |
| Essential Omegas | Higher Nature | ||
| Linseed oil (Flaxseed oil), 1,000mg | Biocare | 60 gel caps | |
| Viridikid 100% Omega 3 Oil (vegetarian) | Viridian | 200ml | £8.95 |
| ***Please click here to purchase from the Nutri Centre*** | |||
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