Omega Sources – Omega Fatty Acids

The health benefits of omega fatty acids have now long been recognized by a multitude of scientific and medical clinical studies. Few people consume enough of them so it’s smart to learn much more about them so more people can start to incorporate them in their life.

Omega Fatty Acid Types

Omega-3 and omega-6 acids are considered unsaturated acids, or to be more precise, polyunsaturated. Their more technical terms are alpha-linolenic acid and the nutrient linolenic acid. They’re often referred to as essential fatty acids because the body’s tissues, organs and cells require ample supplies of them to maintain themselves in optimum health and functioning.

Omega-9 acid is not a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid but a saturated one. It consists of two nutrients called oleic acid and stearic acid. The body produces its own form of omega-9 fatty acids via the skin glands. An oversupply of it is usually produced when there’s a deficiency of either or both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Omega-9 fatty acids are not considered anywhere as healthy as omega-3 or omega-6. People can get their share of omega fatty acid from both food and supplements sources. Omega sources include omega 3 supplements in gel capsule form. There’s also nature made fish oil, usually manufactured from fresh water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and some species of tuna. Omega fatty acids help with cardiovascular health, arthritis, help strengthen the immune system, and can be of great benefit to sufferers of dry eye syndrome as well.

Omega Fatty Acid Dietary Sources

These fats acids can be found in a wide variety of food sources including most types of fresh water fish, as described above. They’re also found in healthy quantities in all types of nuts including peanuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, and most all vegetable oils including olive oil, sesame oil, and safflower oil, as well as peanut oil. Wheat germ added to whole grain cereal also adds omega acids to a person’s overall daily diet. Flaxseed can also be eaten in ground up seed form if the oil form is not preferred.

Moreover, lots of vegetables contain omega acids. They include most of the green ones that are known for their leafy texture. Spinach is one of them. Another is kale. Lettuce also contains it. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts have it as well even though they’re not considered leafy. Some fruits contain omega acids as well. They include cherries and also cantaloupes and watermelons, although the amount contained in these fruits are less than in either the vegetables or nuts or leafy greens. People can always take the omega 3 supplements if they can’t consume a lot of this food. Nature made fish oil will also be effective as excellent omega sources.