Do You Need Omega 3 Fatty Acids?

Do you need omega 3 fatty acids?

As a matter of fact, you do!

Omega 3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA play many very important roles in the human body. Most notably, the importance of omega 3 fatty acids lies in their great contribution to brain and cardiovascular function and wellbeing. In fact, significant proportions of brain and heart tissue are said to comprise of omega 3 fatty acids.

On top of that, these essential fatty acids also have a part to play in joint health, skin health, as well as hair health. Not only that, they have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and even help to ward off serious ailments like Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

In looking at the question "do you need omega 3 fatty acids", it is also important to look at another side of the story - omega 6 fatty acids. The truth is, both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are critical for good health. Both cannot be made by the human body, and must be obtained in one's diet.

The main problem, however, is that our modern day diets are largely skewed in favor of omega 6 fatty acids, upsetting the balance or ratio necessary for optimal health. For example, we consume a lot of grain-fed animals, farm-raised fish, as well as vegetable oils today, and these foods all have relatively high amounts of omega 6 fatty acids.

Having too much omega 6 and too little omega 3 can negatively affect the metabolic function of the body, and also promote unhealthy inflammatory responses. This weakens the body. To make matters worse, chronic inflammation is linked to many serious diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Further, over-consumption of omega 6 fatty acids interferes with our body's ability to make use of omega 3 fatty acids. As it is, we are already consuming too little omega 3's, and this just makes matters worse.

So, do you need omega 3 fatty acids? You most certainly do. And, in view of the fact that most of us today are severely lacking in these essential fatty acids, then all the more you do.