Omega-3 fatty acids are called essential omega-3 fatty acids, because they are just that – essential to the normal functioning of many processes in our bodies.
These essential nutrients can be found in foods including fatty fish, eggs and nuts.
What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:
Each type of omega-3 has its own unique benefits and can be found in different foods. However, it tends to be EPA and DHA that are found in omega-3 supplements. This is because these particular polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids are the ones people are most likely to be lacking, yet they can deliver significant health benefits.
Omega-3 Spotlight: ALA
ALA can be found in plant-based foods including flaxseeds, avocados and walnuts.
Our bodies contain some ALA, and this can be used to make DHA and EPA, but this rate of conversion is limited – it’s simply not enough to sustain a healthy amount of omega-3, which is why omega-3 supplements can be so beneficial.
Omega-3 Spotlight: DHA
DHA can contribute to normal brain function, can help to maintain eye health and vision, and can provide essential support to both mother and baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Omega-3 Spotlight: EPA
EPA works closely with DHA to support cardiovascular health, maintain normal blood pressure and maintain normal triglyceride concentrations in the blood.
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood that can be converted into energy in between meals. However, it’s important to keep these at an appropriate level to keep the body functioning healthily, and EPA and DHA can help with that.
Eating foods rich in these nutrients can only contribute so far to providing you with all of the omega-3 your body needs, so it’s important to consider taking omega-3 supplements too.
At MINAMI, all of our omega-3 supplements contain concentrated omega-3 fatty acids from sustainably sourced fish oil and algae oil to help provide you with the highest quality DHA and EPA to support your overall health.