Omega-3 is an important type of fatty acid which is lacking in our modern diets today. Nevertheless, as an integral part of our human cell membranes, it is needed for many basic functions in our body.

There are 3 types of Omega-3 fatty acids: 

1. docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
2. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
3. alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) 

SAFETY OF USE OF FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS 

Fish oil supplements, containing DHA and EPA, are typically sourced from the skin and liver of fish. Have we stopped to think about what the functions of the skin and liver are? Skin is an organ which protects the fish and has direct contact with the external environment. The liver is the primary organ of the toxins handling system of any organism's body. In this light, what do you think is the likelihood that toxins can be found in fish oil? Is it safe for our consumption?

Cancer centers across the US has conducted a study and found Omega-3 fatty acids linked to a higher risk of protate cancer. 

ALTERNATIVE OMEGA-3 SOURCES

Fish oil supplements are usually recommended for its DHA, which is believed to aid in brain development, and EPA, which is for cardiovascular health. However, do you know that our human body can manufacture its own DHA and EPA? All we need to give out body, is Omega-3 in the form of ALA, which can be found in plant foods.

Just think about this for a moment:
For growing children, isn't it that they need more DHA for brain development?
For the elderly, isn't it that they need more EPA for cardiovascular health?
Do we know if the fish oil converted in the fish body will contain more DHA or EPA?

The best solution would then be for us to consume ALA from plant foods, and allow our body to do the conversion on its own!

Stay tuned to my next post to find out more about ALA-rich plant foods!