Omega 3 fish oil contains two active ingredients- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). EPA and DHA are essential fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are Omega 3 fat which is found in cold water fish. EPA and DHA are highly unsaturated fat because of they contain 6 and 5 double bonds on their long structural chain. These polyunsaturated fats play a very important role with the function of our bodies. EPA and DHA are vital nutrients and may be taken to maintain healthy function of the brain and retina. DHA is a building block of tissue in the brain and retina of the eye. It helps with forming neural transmitters, such as phosphatidylserine, which is important for brain function. It is found in the retina of the eye and taking DHA may be necessary for maintaining healthy levels of DHA for normal eye function. EPA and DHA are converted into hormone like substances called prostaglandins, and they regulate cell activity and healthy cardiovascular function. Similarly, they have a beneficial role in human growth and intellectual development. DHA plays a very important role during fetal development, early infancy, and old age. High concentrations of DHA are found in the brain and increases 300-500% in and infant's brain during the last trimester of pregnancy. Adding DHA to a pregnant mother’s diet may be beneficial for the fetus's brain development. Elderly people should also take EPA and DHA, because as we get older, our bodies form less EPA and DHA, which may cause less mental focus and cognitive function. Taking EPA and DHA may also help with mental abnormalities, such as Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. There are other benefits to taking EPA and DHA because it also plays as a source of energy, it insulates the body against heat loss, prevents skin from drying and flaking, and cushions tissues and organs.
Omega 3 benefits include the following:
Omega 6 benefits include the followings:
