It is a known fact that Omega 3 fatty acid is important for our normal growth and health. In 1970s, a case study that featured the seafood diet of the Greenland Inuit tribe concluded that because their diet included high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils, many people had reduced triglycerides, heart rate, blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.
The study also concluded that the Inuit tribe displayed virtually no cardiovascular disease. Studies since then have also proven that we need only less than 1 percent of our total calorie intake to be taken as fatty acid nutrients. Unfortunately although our bodies need these nutrients, we cannot produce them ourselves.
Essential fatty acids must be obtained from other sources. They are commonly found in cold water oily fish. This group of fish includes salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, anchovies and sardines. One of the best sources of Omega 3 fatty acids can also be found in a deep-water fish called the Hoki, which lives in the crystal-clear deep waters of southern New Zealand.
The nutrients can also be taken from some vegetable oils. Spinach and Broccoli are also known sources of the nutrient as they have dark green leaves. By not taking fish, it is very likely that you are not getting enough fatty acids in your diet. Your body is known to have show symptoms of Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency when you always feel tired, depressed and having a hard time focusing. Other symptoms can include drying of the skin and hair, poor circulation and inflammation.
Omega 3 fatty acids are also available as a supplement and can be purchased in reputed natural food stores or pharmacies. They are marketed as fish oil, fish oil capsules, and cod liver oil (also called marine oils).
Recent studies also concluded the Omega 3 nutrients are a good for preventing cancer. Research and case studies have proven that taking the nutrient can possibly prevent breast, colon and prostate cancer. It is also possible to reduce prostate tumor growth, and slow histopathological progression. Cancer patients taking these supplements also showed a higher survival rate than those without the nutrient in their diet. When essential nutrients were introduced in cancer patient diets, it improved their appetite, weight and quality of life.
A more recent recommendation has suggested that by consuming two or more servings of cold water fish per week and eating foods high in alpha-Linolenic acid reduce cardiovascular disease risks.
Flaxseeds, canola oil soybeans and walnuts contain this organic compound. It also helps in improving heart rhythm that can cause sudden death. The Journal of Nutrition in 2007 released a study that by adding fish oil to the milk formula of infants aged nine to twelve months, showed improvements in their immune functions.
Psychotic disorders in children can also be prevented when Omega 3 fish oil supplements are taken by children and adolescents. People who follow the Mediterranean inspired diet tend to have less heart disease, high HDL cholesterol, and higher rates of Omega 3 highly unsaturated fatty acids.