Let’s face it.  It seems that everyone is interested in DHA omega-3 fatty acids lately.  There are more fortified foods containing them than ever before.  But, what are the actual benefits and what’s the best way to get them?  Let’s find out.

The benefits of Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA have to do with the essential organs of our bodies; the heart and the brain.  It’s like brain fuel and a heart cleanser.

One of the major components of brain cells is fat.  About 40% of the fat in the brain is Docosahexaenoic acid.  Without it, the brain cannot repair damaged cells, function efficiently or develop normally.  In other words, it is essential.

Until recently, most scientists did not consider it essential, because the body can make some of it, as long as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is present in the diet.  But, there are a number of problems with this conversion process.

Less than 4% of the ALA consumed will be converted to DHA omega-3.  First, it must be converted to Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA, then to Docosapentaenoic acid or DPA and finally to the longest chained fatty acid important to human health, Docosahexaenoic acid.

The health benefits that are associated with fish oil supplements are due to the omega-3 content.  Those benefits have not been seen with ALA, even though it has been considered the only “essential” omega-3 fatty acid.

Fish oil is good for the heart and the circulatory system.  It helps to raise blood levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.  It lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of stroke by preventing blood clots from forming in the arteries and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis by preventing fats from sticking to the arterial walls.

It has yet to be determined which component of fish oil is most important.  Although there is reason to believe the benefits are due to the DHA omega-3 content, evidence indicates that there are some “X” factors, too.  That is some component of the natural triglycerides that provide health benefits, including a reduction of inflammation.

Inflammation of the arterial walls is one of the things that cause hardening of the arteries.  In a recent study, it was shown that omega-3 fatty acids prevent inflammatory molecules from passing through the arterial walls.  Other studies have shown that the nutrients stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory compounds and signaling molecules that tell the immune system to stop inflammation.

Make no mistake about it.  All of this talk about inflammation is important, because it is one of the causes of cellular aging, in general.  Some scientists call it chronic.  Others call it silent.  Still others call it systematic.  But, whatever you call it, chronic, silent or systematic inflammation is bad, with a capital “B” and fish oil with DHA omega-3 can keep it under control.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/why-you-need-dha-omega-3-fatty-acids-in-your-diet-1422081.html

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