We've all heard that getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in our diet is healthy. But do you know why?

According to research, omega-3 fatty acids can lower inflamation in the body. Reduced inflammation is closely correlated with lower incidences of many chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and many more. These fatty acids are also concentrated in the brain and are very important for brain function including memory and behavior. While omega-3s tend to reduce inflammation and related disease, omega-6s increase inflammation. However, you need both in the correct balance for good health.

If you've been experiencing extreme tiredness, failing memory, heart issues, dry skin or eczema, moodiness or depression, there is a chance that your levels of essential fatty acids are way out of balance. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Why the focus on omega-3s?

Essential fatty acids are critical to your body's health. However, your body does not manufacture them. You need to eat food containing these nutrients to get your daily dosage. The body needs essential fatty acids (omega-3s, omega-6s and omega-9s) to make hormone like substances called prostaglandins, which regulate many critical body functions.

Too much of a good thing?

The North American diet has a very high concentration of omega-6s somewhat due to high meat consumption. What we're lacking are the omega-3s. That is why we need to pay attention to the food we eat, to get enough omega-3s. However, you can get too much of a good thing. Just because a certain amount of omega-3s are good for you, it can be overdone.

For the greatest health benefit you need to correctly balance the amount of omega-3s and omega-6s. These fatty acids work with each other to sustain your health. Get them too badly out of balance and you could end up with health problems.

How do you achieve the right balance of omega-3s?

If you are consuming about three times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids you're in the ballpark. The typical American diet can contain about twenty times more, or higher, omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. It is thought that this out of balance condition is aggravating the increase in inflammatory diseases in the US. The omega-6s are found in meat so lowering your meat intake while increasing your whole grains, nut oils and fish intake can lead to a healthier balance.

Precautions.

Excessive amounts of omega-3s could cause bleeding if you take blood thinners, bruise easily, or have any type of bleeding disorders. In the worst case you could end up with a condition where blood vessels in the brain leak or rupture causing death. Your target is not to exceed 3 grams of omega-3s per day. Check with your doctor. Eating three or more servings of fish per day is not recommended. It might give you too much omega-3, leading to health problems.

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