Omega-3 Oils

What are Essential Fatty Acids?
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) are a form of polyunsaturated fats, the type of fats now called “good fats.” In fact, EFA’s aren’t just good, they’re essential to supporting optimum digestive and overall health. There are three types of Essential Fatty Acids: Omega-3’s, Omega-6’s, and Omega-9’s. Each is vital and needed, but it is the Omega-3’s that we are most deficient in, and we primarily focus on in the H.O.P.E. Formula.

Essential Fatty Acids:
• Support a healthy digestive tract* • Support healthy inflammatory response* • Nourish active tissues, such as the brain, heart, eyes and kidneys* • Support healthy immune function and nervous system* • Support circulatory health and healthy metabolism* • Support brain health and development* • Promote healthy hormone balance* • Promote a positive mood*

How Much Omega-3 Should You Receive Per Day?
The World Health Organization recommends you consume at least 2 grams of Omega-3 Oils per day, which is consistent with the H.O.P.E. Formula.

Where Do You Get Essential Fatty Acids?
The body does not produce essential fatty acids; the only way to get them is through your diet or a supplementation program, thus making outside sources of these fats “essential.”

The Different Types of Omega 3’s
There are three types of Omega-3 oils. The two you may be most familiar with are EPA’s (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA’s (docosahexanoic acid), both of which are found primarily in oily cold-water fish such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel. Other than fresh-picked seaweed (not a staple of the American diet), plant foods rarely contain EPA or DHA. By contrast, the third Omega-3, called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), is found primarily in dark green leafy vegetables, flaxseed oils, and certain vegetable oils, and is easier to include in your diet.

To Increase the Omega-3’s in your Diet, Include the Following Foods:
• Fish: Not all fish are rich in Omega-3’s. Look for salmon and cold-water fish, including halibut, tuna, sardines, herring, and mackerel.
• Red Meat: While red meat is generally not rich in Omega-3’s (and carries the risks associated with too much saturated fat) there are two sources that are high in Omega-3’s, venison and buffalo. While venison is difficult to find, buffalo is becoming widely available in health food stores and supermarkets.
• Plant Sources: There are several Omega-3 sources in the plant world including flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnuts and some leafy green vegetables.

The Advantage of Omega-3 Supplementation
Eating oily fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel is considered to be beneficial because these fish contain EPA and DHA, the most important Omega-3 fatty acids. However, most people do not eat enough fish to receive their daily Omega-3 needs. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, a 3-ounce serving of salmon contains less than 1.7 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids. However, there is significant evidence showing that many fish are contaminated with mercury and should not be eaten regularly. One major advantage of fish oil supplementation is that purification techniques are used in some Omega-3 supplements to insure that they are free of detectable levels of mercury, PCBs and other contaminants. Make sure you choose a mercury free fish oil supplement. Another advantage of fish oil supplementation is cost; it is less expensive to consume a daily capsule of fish oil than it is to eat salmon every day!

Lipase is the Most Important Thing to Look for in an Oil Supplement.
Lipase is an enzyme that helps digest fats. Make sure you find a fish oil supplement with lipase because it assists in digestion and therefore maximizes the absorption of the Omega-3’s you need. Be sure to watch Brenda Watson's H.O.P.E. Formula for Optimum Digestive Care on PBS! Call 1-866-450-8111 for your local showtime!