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Omega-3 Fatty Acids
(Please read our disclaimer)
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered "essential" because our body cannot make them. We have to get them through food or supplements. Since they help build cell membranes throughout the body, they are believed to provide protection from many diseases and conditions.
There are three kinds of omega-3 fats. The two most available for use by our body are EPA and DHA from cold-water fish, supplements, and some animal sources.
The third kind of omega-3 is ALA. It is found in nuts, seeds, and some vegetables. ALA needs to be converted to the active, body-useable DHA and EPA form. Research shows that some populations have trouble converting ALA to DHA and EPA, and do best with omega-3s sourced from fish oils.
It is easy to find lots of research and information on omega-3s. For instance, a quick search on PubMed brings up almost 24,000 results. Let's look at some benefits from getting omega-3s in our diet.
Inflammatory Diseases
A PubMed study noted that EPA and DHA are anti-inflammatory and are beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and migraine headaches. And that inflammation is also a strong factor in coronary heart disease, major depression, aging, and cancer.
Obesity and Diabetes
Science Daily reports on a study that found that omega-3 fatty acids are able to activate brown and beige fatty tissues. Having more brown fat helps burn more calories and reduces the risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
Mental Health - Depression
The human brain is 60% fat, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the health and early development of the brain.
The Melaleuca Wellness Guide tells us that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the nervous system correlate with a higher risk of depression. Studies have found that consuming omega-3 reduces depression and improves mood. In this study researchers looked at people who had major depression and high levels of inflammation. They compared the effect of DHA and EPA and found that in this instance EPA was more effective.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements
CardioOmega EPA is formulated to support cardiovascular health and for activity-induced inflammation. It contains 1000mg EPA and 100mg DHA per serving.
Vitality Coldwater Omega-3 contains the ideal balance of DHA to EPA (2 to 1) at the recommended dose. It contains 270mg of EPA and 660mg of DHA.
Omega-3 Crème Delight contains 660 EPA and 420mg DHA.
Vitality Prenatal Omega-3 contains 400 EPA and 1000 DHA. It contains the recommended amounts for prenatal and nursing mothers.
One Last Note
All of us, no matter our age, need omega-3 fatty acids in our diet. For one thing, omega-3s help our body maintain a healthy inflammatory response. Our body uses healthy inflammation to heal a cut or injury, but excessive inflammation is not healthy and is a component of many diseases.
~ Richard M Barry
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Success Stories
We call it BRAIN FOOD. My 9 year old daughter and I have been using the Omega-3 smoothie every morning for years. I think supplements like Melaleuca Omega-3 is what contributes to her gifted brain. She has been in gifted classes for years and gets smarter all the time. We will keep using this smoothie to advance her brain and to keep her mom's and dad's brains from shriveling up too early. We want to be well enough and lucid enough to watch her grow up and change the world.
~ Jennifer
My skin looks younger than my age. When I go to my yearly dermatologist visit she always comments that I look younger than my age. For years she would ask me what I ate. Then one year she asked me what supplements I took. When I got to omega-3, she said: "That's it!" She was conducting her own informal study on patients who look younger than their age. She said omega-3 seemed to be the common factor in younger looking patients.
~ Anna
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 12 months ago. My Rheumatologist told me to research the condition, educate myself and stay active. He knew I was not a fan of prescription drugs and if could find a healthier alternative that worked and was affordable I wanted to give it a try. He said that turmeric was a natural anti-inflammatory and he recommended me to try that. On my way home from my rheumatologist appointment, I called Melaleuca product support asking if we had products that had turmeric in it. They gave me the list of products. One being Omega3 Lime Sorbet, Extra Strength Replenex, and I take Recover AI with the Replenex, our Vitality Pack 50+ and Luminex replaces the Cymbalta he weaned me off of. When I'm having trouble sleeping, I take RestEZ just before bed to help me sleep. I am thankful to have found a doctor who is on board with me trying healthier alternatives versus prescription drugs that have severe side effects. I have not had a fibro flare-up in 12 months.
~ Pam
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