MaxEPA Omega-3

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids work together to support optimum health. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential meaning they are necessary to your health but the body is unable to produce them. They must be obtained from the diet. Contemporary diets tend to be too high in Omega-6 fatty acids and too low in Omega-3 fatty acids. A proper balance is needed for optimum health. Omega-6 fatty acids tend to increase inflammation while Omega-3 fatty acids can counteract it. This is why a proper balance between the two is critical. Yet the typical American consumes 11 to 30 times more Omega-6 than Omega-3. The recommended balance is 4 to 1.

There are three major Omega-3 fatty acids: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). ALA is converted by the body into EPA and DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids yield significant benefits for the heart. They increase good cholesterol (HDL) and decrease triglycerides. There is enough benefit from Omega-3 fatty acids that the American Heart Association has endorsed them as good for the heart. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated Omega-3 fatty acids’ ability to lower the risk of heart attack, strokes, and abnormal heart rhythm. Omega-3’s can help lower blood pressure with most benefit to those who are borderline. Because of their impact on inflammation, they are often helpful in reducing the pain and related effects of arthritis. According to some studies, low levels of omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to mental disorders like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Other areas which may benefit from Omega-3 fatty acids are being studied and include diabetes, osteoporosis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.