What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

What are Fatty Acids?

• They are the building blocks of the fat in our bodies and in the food we eat. During digestion, the body breaks down fats into fatty acids, which can then be absorbed into the blood.
• Fatty acid molecules are usually joined together in groups of three, forming a molecule called a triglyceride. Triglycerides are also made in our bodies from the carbohydrates that we eat.
• The two main types of fatty acids are saturated fat and unsaturated fat.
  • Saturated fats are sometimes known as “bad” or “unhealthy” fats because they increase your risk of certain diseases like heart disease and stroke.
  • Unsaturated fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) are considered “good” or “healthy” fats because they support your heart health when used in moderation.

About Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

• They are polyunsaturated fatsthat perform important functions in your body. Your body can’t produce the amount of omega-3s you need to survive.
• So, omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients, meaning you need to get them from the foods you eat.
  • They are found in foods, such as fish and flaxseed, and in dietary supplements, such as fish oil.
• The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
  • ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood.
• Omega-3s are important components of the membranes that surround each cell in your body. DHA levels are especially high in retina (eye), brain, and sperm cells.
• Omega-3s also provide calories to give your body energy and have many functions in your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine system (the network of hormone-producing glands).
• Omega-3s in fish and fish oil supplements may help with symptoms of several autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Crohn's disease.