Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
Main Components
DHA
DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid: Identified as an essential building block of the brain, nerve and eye tissue. It is especially important to development of infants visual acuity and motor skills. DHA is supplied naturally through mother's breast milk and more recently through DHA supplemented formula. Harp seal oil is an excellent source of DHA.
EPA
EPA or Eicosapentaenoic acid: abundantly present in seal oil reduces inflammation and blood clots within the cardiovascular system. Clinical tests have shown that people whose diets are rich in EPA are less prone to inflamed joints (Rheumatoid arthritis), inflammation of the intestine (Crohn's disease), lupus, asthma, multiple sclerosis and skin disease.
DPA
DPA or Docosapentaenoic acid: only found in significant amounts in human milk, and seal oil. This component is almost as important as either EPA or DHA. About 1/3 of the long chain Omega-3 fatty acids circulating in human blood is attributable to DPA. In the blood vessel walls, EPA can actually be converted to DPA as the effective agent.
ALA
ALA or Alpha linolenic acid: While DHA, EPA, and DPA are found primarily in fish, ALA is found in the highest compositions in plant oils like flaxseed oil. It can also be found, though sometimes only in trace amounts, in oils such as canola, soy, and walnut oils. ALA is also found in wild plants such as purslane (often considered a common garden weed). An important fact to remember about ALA is that it can only be utilized by the body once our bodies actually "convert" it to EPA and DHA, the two omega 3 fatty acids more readily used by the body. If our bodies aren't healthy to start, the benefit of ALA can be lost on some of us.
Copyright © 2003 Newfoundland Health Foods Corporation, all rights reserved
All material and information presented by Newfoundland Health Foods Corporation is intended to be used for educational purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner regarding the suggestions and recommendations made at Newfoundland Health Foods Corporation
