Know Your Omegas

By Elijah Gray

Omega-3 Vs. Omega-6

There's more than one type of fatty acid-in fact, there are two, and they work in fundamentally different ways. The first is omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish, certain plants and omega-3 fish oil tablets. The second is omega-6, which are more prominent in fats and grains. Generally, people consume much more omega-6 than omega-3, which can cause uncomfortable health problems. This is because the two are directly opposed to each other. While omega-3s are a natural anti-inflammatory, too many omega-6s can actually increase inflammation and contribute to disease.

Long-Chain and Short-Chain Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are generally better for you than omega-6s, but it's more complicated than just that. This is because there are two types of omega-3 fatty acids, each of which is found primarily in certain types of food. For example, short-chain omega-3 fatty acids are more common in nuts and oils, like canola and flaxseed oils.

Long-chain omega-3, on the other hand, are more typically more plentiful in shellfish and cold-water fish like mackerel, tuna, trout, sardines, salmon and others. This type of fatty acid has more health benefits than the short-chain variety, so doctors recommend getting it either by eating more fish or taking small omega-3 softgels as a dietary supplement on a regular basis.

Benefits of Omega-3 Fish Oil Tablets

Small omega-3 softgels are widely recognized for their range of health benefits, some of which are more conclusively proven than others. For example, these supplements are generally considered effective for treating conditions like high triglycerides and helping to prevent heart disease. There is also an extensive range of potential benefits for which the supplement is used, though its efficacy is not necessarily conclusively proven.

For example, some people take omega-3 fish oil tablets as part of treatment for mood and thinking disorders, like ADHD and bipolar disorder. Others have found success treating conditions like diabetes, asthma, kidney disease and dry eyes. Because the effectiveness of taking fish oil to treat these and other conditions is not conclusively proven, it's best to consult a doctor or nutritionist before attempting to treat a specific condition using omega-3 supplements.

Many people don't get all of the right nutrition from their diets alone, and while dietary improvements should always be the first step to better nutrition, taking a multivitamin can help make up for any missing links. Allergies, special diets and poor eating habits are all reasons that people may not be getting all of the nutrients they need on a daily basis, and it isn't always their fault.

To learn more about the potential health benefits of increasing your omega-3s visit at http://shop.easy2swallowvitamins.com/products, contact a company that formulates and sells Small Omega-3 Softgels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elijah_Gray