The Truth about Omega 3 and Weight Loss

Let me tell you a quick story. In a recent study concerning omega 3 and weight loss, conducted by researchers at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, it was found that the consumption of 50 grams of chia seeds, a food product rich in the omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA), per day for 12 weeks had no effect on body mass or composition. There was also no effect on the heart disease risk factors that have been seen in similar studies using fish oil, a source of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Although the purpose of the study was not to compare the effectiveness of ALA to DHA or EPA, it does add more evidence. Vegans might not like to hear it, but the omega-3s found in fish and fish oils are more beneficial to our health than those found in plants.

Vegans are not the only group protesting the idea that fish is an essential part of the human diet. The average guy on the street probably thinks of seafood as just something that he "can" choose to eat; no better and no worse than any other selection.

Another recent study concerning omega 3 and weight loss was conducted by the University of Iceland. Those researchers concluded that physical activity and high blood levels of DHA diminished some of the negative health effects caused by being overweight or obese.

They are quick to say that the most important thing an overweight or obese individual can do for his or her health is to lose some body fat. But, there are some small groups that disagree. They ask if it is really unhealthy to be overweight.

The weight/height charts have changed over the years. The maximum healthy weights are higher than they were 20 or 30 years ago. If you are only slightly over the recommended max, you are probably not endangering your health. If the excess pounds are muscle, rather than fat, you are certainly not endangering your health.

If you are looking for something that will help you lose some pounds, there is no reason to believe that taking a fish oil supplement, alone, will help. But many researchers believe that reverting to the diet of your ancestors could.

The modern-day diet is high in sodium and processed foods, as well as simple carbohydrates, which include breads, rice, pasta, sugar and potatoes. There is a connection between increased intake of foods rich in omega 3 and weight loss, when combined with fruits and vegetables, rather than the simple carbs. So, if you are willing to change what you eat, you might find that you lose the pounds that you need to, relatively easily.

As far as supplemental omega 3 and weight loss goes, the advantage would be to reduce the risk of diseases associated with being overweight. Primarily, that is heart disease.

Make no mistake about it. If you are interested in taking a supplement, research indicates that fish oil is more beneficial than flax or chia. Now that you know more about omega 3 and weight loss, you might want to learn more about choosing a good supplement.

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.