Staying current with the numerous published research studies on omega 3 fish oil studies each week is a time consuming task. They come from every continent, involve all ages [including unborn children] and are relevant to every body part. However, there are ways to find common threads in all the data that be practically applied to our lives.
The first research studies on omega 3 fish oil that drew attention are almost 40 years old. Simply put, it was found that people who ate a lot of fish and did not eat a lot of vegetable oils were much healthier - very little arthritis, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases and other inflammation related diseases.
Just recently, Harvard University released a research study based on data from the US National Health Center for Health Statistics. It determined there were 72,000-96,000 preventable deaths each year due to omega 3 deficiencies. This makes it the 6th biggest "lifestyle" killer in the U.S. Tobacco, high blood pressure and obesity were the top three.
How did this happen?
Omega 3 fatty acids are part of every cell membrane in the body. They help the cells communicate with each other and keep the immune system in balance. If we do not get enough of them in the diet, our cell membranes have too much of the wrong kind of fats. In short, what this means is that our heart and brain cells can not function as quickly. Other organs of the body are also negatively affected but in different ways.
The reason that our bodies are nutritionally imbalanced is simple. We eat too much processed foods and products based on vegetable oils. We also are not eating enough omega 3 rich foods.
However, everything is not our fault. Omega 3s have a short shelf life. This is not good for today's supermarket world. Over the years, food manufacturers have slowly but surely removed them from everything they could. Add this to the way animals are now raised - grain fed instead of grass fed - and it is no wonder that 90% of us have a deficiency.
How do we fix this?
Trying to get the needed amounts of omega 3s from the diet is fighting a losing battle. Even China will shortly be adding them to milk. The research studies on their own population have convinced them that even they have nutritional problems in this area. Unfortunately, food additives are not enough. The FDA thinks that about 2 grams a day of omega 3s are needed just to maintain health. The only realistic way to get these amounts is with fish oil supplements.
With essential fatty acids, it is important to remember two things. Being consistent in your supplementation and taking the correct doses. The research studies on omega 3 fish oil have shown that just a few grams now and then will not be all that useful. My website can take you to the next step.
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