You have probably heard of omega fatty acids. It's on the packaging of fresh fish, and there are hundreds of different fatty acid supplements that all recommend these substances, but what are omega fatty acids exactly?
In this article, we look at what these fatty acids are, what they do and where you can get the best from them.
What are omega fatty acids?
When we talk about omega fatty acids, we are mainly talking about omega-3, 6, and 9. These are the most important fatty acids for your health. Omega fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats, a type of fat that your body cannot make itself. Because you cannot make them yourself, it is therefore essential to get them from your diet.Within the omega-3 fatty acids are so many different types. However, the most common of these are these three:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This fatty acid produces eicosanoids. These are substances that function as anti-inflammatories. In addition, EPA may also help combat symptoms of depression.
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) . DHA makes up 8% of the total weight of your brain. It also contributes to the development of your brain and its smooth functioning.
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) . ALA can turn into DHA or EPA when needed. By itself, it supports the health of your heart, immune system, and nervous system.
Omega-6 fatty acids ensure that your body has extra energy so that you are less likely to suffer from fatigue. This fatty acid also produces eicosanoids that help to reduce or prevent inflammation.
Omega-9 fatty acids are as essential as the other two fatty acids because your body can produce this variant in small amounts. However, this fatty acid also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can counteract insulin resistance.
What do omega fatty acids do?
In addition to the above properties of the omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, there are also other functions in which these fatty acids can support your body. For these reasons, they are an important source of healthy nutrients for your body.
1. Omega fatty acids help your cholesterol level
From research has shown that omega supplements can contribute to a better relationship with your cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol.
2. They support brain development
Fatty acids are good for the adult brain, but they also help fetuses to develop their brains better while they are still in the womb.
3. They are anti-inflammatory
Omega-3, 6, and 9 have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and can relieve people with chronic diseases from a lot of pain. It is important to take more omega-3 than omega-6 because an excess of omega-6 can lead to more inflammation. Therefore, always discuss this with your doctor.
What are omega 3 fatty acids in?
Most omega fatty acids can be obtained from fish, but if you are vegetarian or vegan, it is best to look at the beginning of the food chain. Fish contains so many fatty acids because they eat krill. Krill then eat plankton, such as phytoplankton. This is where most of the fatty acids are. So you can always use fish oil or plankton supplements.In addition, there are also quite a lot of omegas in nuts, oils (such as sunflower oil), and legumes, such as cashew nuts and peanuts.
