The essential fatty acid potentials, the omega 3 properties and benefits to know and the best omega 3 to choose for the health of your skin, heart and brain.
The human diet in the last 100 years has changed considerably. One of the most important changes is the huge increase in dietary fat. From a qualitative point of view, the following occurred:
- an increase in the introduction of saturated fats, polyunsaturated linoleic acid (LA) of the omega-6 series and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) of the same series, such as arachidonic acid (AA), mainly contained in meat ;
- the concomitant reduction of foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 series, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) of the same series, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) from from the intake of fish.
This diet, associated with other environmental changes, is considered one of the major causes of the rapid increase in diet-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular ones, in the last century, which is why it needs to be supplemented with the best omega 3s.
Essential fatty acids and the best fish oil
LA and ALA fatty acids are essential fatty acids for our diet. Human species is unable to synthesize them and it is therefore essential to take them adequately and constantly from food. These two acids do not perform a precise physiological function, but they are an energy source.
Once they enter the cell compartment, essential fatty acids are transformed into LC-PUFA at the microsomal level and incorporated into the phospholipidic structures of cell membranes to ensure, in particular EPA and DHA, the right degree of fluidity, permeability and modulation. Also freed from membrane phospholipids they are precursors of molecules defined as eicosanoids (prostaglandins, prostacyclines, thromboxanes, leukotrienes and lipoxins) and, recently, docosanoids. These molecules act as hormone-like substances also playing an important role in inflammation, blood pressure, bronchial reactivity and platelet aggregation.
In recent decades, based on epidemiological observations of the low incidence of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in the Eskimo population, the interest has shifted towards LC-PUFA fatty acids and in particular on DHA for possible biological effects. In particular, it has been found that fish oil obtained from sardines, mackerel and herring, is rich in Omega 3, in particular EPA and DHA.
Omega 3 what they are and their origins
Omega 3 are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from carbon derived from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). They are essentially contained in fish, especially the blue one (especially in sardines, herring ..), but also in walnuts and oil of linen. The ALA precursor, thanks to the action of the enzymes of our organism delta-6-desaturatase, elongase, and delta-5-desaturatase, is activated in the form EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). These same enzymes transform omega 6 (linoleic acid, LA) into arachidonic acid (AA). Elongase and delta-4-desaturatase then transform EPA into DHA, and arachidonic acid into DPA.
While in humans the synthesis of arachidonic acid from linoleic acid is still very efficient, the conversion of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) into LC-PUFA n-3 (Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) is an ineffective process (Burdge and Calder, 2005), also because the synthesis of DHA requires stages of additional transformations. Therefore endogenous biosynthesis is not sufficient and LC-PUFA n-3, in particular DHA, must be taken preformed.
Omega 3 properties and benefits
Here all Omega 3 benefits:
- for heart and brain: Omega 3 plays an important action in controlling cholesterol and the level of triglycerides in the blood, inhibits the inflammatory reaction and the platelet aggregation factor by reducing blood viscosity and counteracts the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Thus it promotes heart and brain health. The anti-inflammatory action is useful against pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis;
- against triglycerides: Omega 3 reduce the blood levels of triglycerides as they reduce the synthesis and hepatic secretion of VLDL lipoproteins. Through the activation of PPARs in the liver, the synthesis of enzymes increases the intracellular degradative processes of fatty acids and the lipolysis of VLDL lipoproteins for greater synthesis of lipoprotein lipase. (Poli et al 2008);
- in pregnancy: omega 3 in pregnancy play an important role in the development of the nervous system of the fetus and infant and that women with a diet deficient in omega 3 in pregnancy face an increased risk of postpartum depression. A daily intake of 200 mg of DHA is generally recommended for pregnant women and breastfeeding women;
- for healthy skin: the discovery of these properties began in parallel with that of the benefits of omega 3 for the cardiovascular health of the Eskimos, heavy fish consumers containing high quantities of these fatty acids. In fact, it was noted that when these populations began to emigrate to industrialized countries, where they abandoned their healthy eating habits, not only did their cardiovascular risk increase, but also the incidence of some very rare skin diseases in the Eskimos, dermatitis atopic and psoriasis. The beneficial action on the skin is due to the fact that omega 3s are fundamental components of biological membranes and epithelial tissue. Furthermore, these essential fatty acids participate in the formation of the hydrolipidic film produced at the level of the skin and scalp by the sebaceous and sweat glands. This is why the lack of unsaturated fatty acids can increase the loss of water through the epidermis and promote dry skin, acne and eczema, dandruff and brittle nails. In addition, the lack of these fatty acids also makes hair brittle and dull and suboptimal levels of these molecules predispose, in general, to the development of allergies.
Omega 3 active plus: the best omega 3 supplement
Omega 3 active plus is our omega 3 supplement based on fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, in particular EPA and DHA. Omega 3 active plus is at the moment the best omega 3 supplement on the market and can be taken both by both adults and children, and pregnancy women:
- Fish oil good for you: the fish oil in Omega 3 active plus is produced thanks to innovative techniques in Norway starting from fish such as sardines and anchovies that have a very short life, rapid growth and above all a high content of Omega 3. The fishing takes place off the coast of Morocco, Peru and Chile, completely controlled, using sustainable fishing methods that have led to the achievement of the IFFO RS and FRIENDS OF THE SEA certification;
- The production process of conventional omega 3 starts from the purification of fish oil with the obtainment of ethyl ester. It then goes through a process of molecular distillation (based on ethyl ester) and deodorization and finally there is the addition of antioxidants. The production process of Omega 3 active plus, unlike commercial omega 3, involves:
- first of all a purification process with precise technologies that allow to comply with current regulations (Pharmacopoeia and Goed monograph) and even, for certain heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and lead, omega 3 active plus has values 10 times lower than the legal specifications ;
- after molecular distillation the Active plus process promotes the synthesis of triglycerides: EPA and DHA are thus present in the form of triglycerides (69% more bioavailable than the common ethyl ester form). It appears that the reduced bioavailability of EPA / DHA in the form of ethyl ester is due in part to the fact that enzymes for the digestion of fats are less effective at breaking the bonds of an ethyl ester and at a lower speed than the bonds in a structure of triglycerides;
- the production process of the omega 3 active then continues with a further molecular distillation (based on triglycerides), which increases its concentration. Finally, it too is deodorized, but with an exclusive production technique it allows to reduce the smell and aftertaste of fish, and antioxidants are added.
The best omega 3s: how to take them
The best omega 3s, Omega 3 Active plus, that our online herbalist has selected for you according to the above criteria, are assumed as follows:
- to contribute to normal heart function: 1 pearl per day;
- to help maintain normal brain function and vision: 2 pearls per day;
- to help maintain normal blood triglyceride levels: 4 pearls a day;
- to help maintain normal blood pressure: 5 pearls a day.
Other recommended uses:
- to lower the levels of triglycerides in the blood you can combine omega 3 active plus with Depurativo Italico: 2 pearls of omega 3 active plus before lunch and dinner (and monthly check) and a scoop of Italic Depurative per day;
- to detoxify from statins, in agreement with your doctor, you can take Depurativo italico (one measuring spoon), colestarmony plus (1 tablet after dinner) and omega 3 active plus (1 pearl before lunch and one before dinner) for two months.
For any clarification or for more information Contact us.
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