OMEGA FATTY ACIDS

OMEG 3 FATTY ACIDS 

 Essential fatty acids cannot be synthesised in the body but they ae required for the maintenance of optimal health and thus, should be supplied by diet. Essential Fatty Acids are divided into two types-monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids. There are two classes of PUFAs (Polyunsaturated fatty acids): Omega 6 (n-6), also known as linoleic acid and Omega 3 (n-3) also known as Alpha-linolenic acid. Linoleic acid is desaturated in the body to form arachidonic acid while linolenic acid (ALA) is desaturated to form eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA)

Structure of Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA)

• Common foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, fish oils, flax seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, hemp seeds, eggs, microalgae and dairy from ass fed animals
• Omega 3 FAs are anti-inflammatory in nature
• They are essential for your brain and retina
• Lack of DHA in pregnant and breastfeeding women can adversely affect the health and intelligen
• of their babies. Omega 3 FAs can improve blood lipid levels (triglycerides and cholesterol) and helps to decr
• the risk of coronary heart disease
• Omega 3 FAs helps in vasodilation and relaxes the smooth muscle cells.

Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids should be consumed in the ratio of 4:1.

Dosage

2.5 to 5g of combined EPA and DHA is enough for most adults to maintain overall health.