Definition of omega 3 fatty acids – What exactly are omega 3 fatty acids?
SportsIt’s easy to say you need to go eat more omega 3 fats. However, you may be curious as to what exactly omega 3s are. We’ll give you a brief and understandable definition of omega 3.
First, what are essential fatty acids?
EFAS are amino acids that your body needs to function properly. These acids play an important role in most of your body’s functions. You need fatty acids to build fat and muscle tissue, as well as to keep your cardiovascular system working properly.
The difference between essential acids and other fats is that essential acids are a) necessary for your body to grow and function properly, and b) your body cannot make these substances from other nutrients.
The definition of omega has changed a bit over time, but that is how they are mostly known today.
What are some of the omega EFAS?
There are several important fatty acids that you need to include in your diet, either through what you eat or through a supplement to stay healthy. These fatty acids include EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid, DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, and ALA, alpha-linolenic acid. These different fatty acids perform different functions in the body and can be found in different foods.
ALA is found primarily in plant sources of fatty acids, such as flaxseed and almonds. EPA and DHA are primarily found in meat sources. For example, fish is a good source of the fatty acids EPA and DHA.
Which of these essential fats is most essential?
Although according to the definition of omega fats, the three main acids (DHA, EPA and ALA) are very essential for your body to function properly, there is a slight difference between these fatty acids.
In some situations, if your diet is high in one of the acids and low in the others, your body may make one of the acids by converting the others. However, this is very hard on your body and therefore it is recommended that you take omega 3 fish oil supplements or flax oil supplements to ensure that you always have enough omega 3 in your diet.