Author: Dr Lou Ignarro, Nutrition Advisory Board Herbalife International
Omega-3s are a constant topic in the wellness field, and for good reason. Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fat that the body derives from food and cannot be made in the body. The three main Omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA comes from plants. EPA and DHA come from fish, krill and algal (vegan) sources. DHA may also be available in certain fortified foods (eggs, milk).
Why are these essential fatty acids so good for your heart? In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a qualified health claim for Omega-3 fatty acids and reduced risk of coronary heart disease for conventional foods and dietary supplements that contain EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids and meet other requirements laid out by the FDA.
The benefit of Omega-3 fatty acids in coronary heart disease first became known through research into the health of Greenland Eskimos who consumed diets high in Omega-3 fatty acids from fish. Additional studies also showed that consuming large quantities of highly polyunsaturated fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which are abundant in fish, has coronary heart benefit. This may be through maintaining cholesterol and triglyceride levels already within a normal range.
If you are allergic to fish or dairy, supplementing your diet with a dietary supplement product containing Omega-3 fatty acids may help support your heart health. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. One serving of Herbalifeline® provides 322 mg of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids.
As you can see, there is good reason for the Omega-3 hype. It’s just that the story goes much deeper than you might have guessed.
Share your tips below! How do you make sure you’re getting enough Omega-3 fatty acids?
Dr. Lou Ignarro is a research pharmacologist who was the 1998 Nobel laureate for his research into Nitric Oxide (NO). He’s spent more than 40 years as a research scientist and is known as perhaps the world’s leading authority on nutritional approaches to cardiac wellness. He blogs on topics related to heart health, with an educational focus on the science behind nutrition and exercise.
*The Nobel Foundation has no affiliation with Herbalife and does not review, approve or endorse Herbalife products.
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