Learn about the Health Benefits Omega 3 Provides

Let's face it. When it comes to health benefits omega 3 fish oil supplements are packed full of them. Other kinds, such as the flax seed and the algae oil may not be beneficial, at all.

You see, there are different types of omega-3s. The ones of primary interest are alpha linolenic acid, Docosahexaenoic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid; ALA, DHA and EPA.

There is some interest in the benefit of Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), which is also found in some kinds of fish oil. But, right now, the only thing that can be said for certain is that DPA may contribute to the overall heart healthy effects of DHA and EPA.

Notice that I did not include ALA in that. Studies do not indicate that ALA has the same effects or provides the same benefit associated with DHA and EPA. Flax seed oil contains only ALA.

Algae oil has been developed as a vegan alternative for DHA supplementation, but it does not provide EPA. Some kinds of kelp or seaweed contain small amounts of EPA, but not enough to be significant.

The only foods containing EPA and DHA (both) are some types of seafood. Historically, there may have been more dietary sources, as people ate wild game and fowl, raised their own cattle and allowed their chickens to roam freely on their property.

That's brings us to the health benefits omega 3 supplements provide. Practically all of the beneficial effects have to do with what are regarded by scientists as modern diseases.

As wealthy societies conquered many illnesses, the incidence of others began to rise. Obesity, heart disease, age-related eye diseases, most types of cancer, type II diabetes, allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases are among the ones in question. Some of the health benefits omega 3 supplements provide have to do with those diseases. Inflammation plays or may play a role in all of them.

Fish oils are known to have natural anti-inflammatory activity. They were used by fishermen traditionally to relieve achy joints.

Only in recent years have researchers found that chronic inflammation is something that causes more than achy joints. It is actually one of the causes of cellular aging.

The modern diet is high in omega-6s, which the body converts into inflammatory hormones. Some of which are called cytokines. Researchers estimate that some people get thirty times more omega-6s than 3s in their diet. It is theorized that the traditional human diet provided equal amounts of 3s and 6s.

So, basically, the health benefits omega 3 supplements provide are due to the correction of that imbalance. Taking a supplement could reduce your risk of all of the age-related diseases mentioned above. It could also be beneficial for people that suffer from allergies, asthma, arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids, meaning that human beings must have them in order to survive. The brain and eyes cannot develop without them.

Make no mistake about it. When all is said and done, the health benefits omega 3 supplements provide could be amazing. Just remember that fish oil is the best choice.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily.

Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.