The word “fat” has always had negative connotations regarding health and wellness. Most people instinctively try to avoid fats when adhering to a healthy diet. However, not all fats are created equal. Saturated fats, which are often referred to as “bad” fats, do increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and should be omitted from any well-balanced diet. Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, can support healthy cognitive and cardiovascular function when ingested in moderation.
Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 are types of unsaturated fats that the human body cannot produce on its own. Fortunately, people can obtain these healthy fats through various dietary sources. The nutraceutical industry has also developed a variety of products that make it easier for people to support optimal whole-body health with “good” fats.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats, which means they are molecules that exist in chain-like formations and have more than one open slot for oxygen and hydrogen atoms to attach. They also provide crucial assistance in cellular function, especially in the brain and eyes.
A Gift from the Sea
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in three different forms: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Both EPA and DHA are sourced from various types of fish, which is also why they are the types of omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil nutraceutical products. ALA is found in plants and converts into EPA and DHA inside the human body. This conversion only yields a small amount of EPA and DHA, however, so the most useful omega-3 fatty acids are obtained from fish. The variety of fish that contain EPA and DHA include:
- Mackerel
- Farmed Atlantic salmon
- Wild Atlantic salmon
- Bluefin tuna
- Whitefish
- Anchovy
- Atlantic herring
- Canned tuna
- Striped bass
- Halibut
- Wild rainbow trout
The Supportive Powers of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have long been recognized for their multi-faceted support of cardiovascular health. One avenue for cardiovascular support can be seen in their ability to lower blood pressure while also enhancing levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been known to reduce levels of triglycerides, which can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids have also long been recognized for their role in cognitive health, in terms of both development and protection. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with a reduced risk of various forms of cognitive decline, including memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and depression. Much of this has been attributed to their ability to support inflammation reduction, although some experts believe that this strong support of healthy brain function can also be connected to their ability to enhance the function of both serotonin and serotonin receptors.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids are another type of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, and they have been recognized for their own contributions to cardiovascular health.
Add Some Healthy Oils to Your Diet
Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential to the Mediterranean diet, which is low in meat. Whereas omega-3 fatty acids come primarily from fish, omega-6 fatty acids are mostly found in various types of vegetable oil. The variety of vegetable oils and other sources that can provide a healthy serving of omega-6 fatty acids include:
- Sunflower oil
- Corn oil
- Safflower oil
- Soybean oil
- Sesame oil
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Walnuts
More Support for Optimal Whole Body Health
Like omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids are known to enhance levels of good cholesterol. However, omega-6 fatty acids are also known to provide additional support to cardiovascular health by reducing levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. While it would be wise to focus more on providing the body with omega-3 fatty acids, these traits are a big reason why the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends obtaining a small amount of omega-6 fatty acids on a regular basis.
In addition to supporting optimal cardiovascular health, omega-6 fatty acids are believed to promote healthy skin, brain function, bones and metabolic function.
Supplementing a Healthy Diet with Fish Oil Nutraceutical Products
Fortunately, there are a wealth of fish oil nutraceuticals to choose from on the market. Yet not all fish oil products are created equal. SPM Complex from EVEXIAS Health Solutions is a professional grade nutraceutical that contains Alaskan cod liver oil extract. This potent extract not only contains fatty acids like EPA and DHA, but it also contains DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) as well. In addition to being a powerful anti-inflammatory, DPA is known to be more highly bioavailable (absorbable) than EPA and DHA. DPA has been recognized for its ability to support optimal cardiovascular health as well as brain function, mood and joint health with its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
SPM Complex also contains specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which are supportive molecules derived from both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. SPMs are known to be effective regulators of the body’s inflammatory response while contributing to optimal immune and nervous system function. Like DPA, SPMs have also earned a reputation for lending their powerful anti-inflammatory properties to support optimal joint health.
In addition to SPM Complex, EVEXIAS Health Solutions offers a wide variety of nutraceutical products that have been developed to provide the body with various organic compounds derived from omega fatty acids. This wide range of products have been designed to support optimal cardiovascular health, brain function and other aspects of comprehensive wellness with their powerful anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antioxidant profiles. To learn more about these various types of professional grade fish oil nutraceuticals, lifestyle management guidance and more advanced therapies that support optimal whole body health, find the nearest EvexiPEL certified provider today!
