by
Margaret Durst
The Green House

Previously
by Margaret Durst: Homeopathics
– Strange, but Effective!

Omega 3 Oils are a part of the family of essential fatty acids (EFA)
that are collectively called vitamin F. These oils are notoriously
absent in the standard American diet, making them an important supplement.
Symptoms of omega 3 deficiency include dry skin, high blood pressure,
high triglycerides, impaired immune function, decreased learning
ability, memory loss, and impaired vision.

While there
is no shortage of fat in the American diet, there is a strong differentiation
between good fats and bad fats. Most people are familiar with classifications
of fat such as saturated and unsaturated with polyunsaturated being
considered the most healthful. Omega 3, 6 and 9 are the essential
fatty acids and are all polyunsaturated fats.

Good sources
of omega 3 oils are flaxseed, walnut, and fatty, deep-water fish
oil. Omega 6 oils are found in common vegetable oils such as soybean,
safflower, sunflower, corn, and sesame. Omega 9 oils are found most
commonly in olive oil.

What is important
about these essential oils is how they affect our overall health.
Omega 6 oils are consumed in excess in our culture and cause problems
such as inflammation, blood clotting, and tumor growth. Many scientists
believe that the high incidence of heart disease, hypertension,
diabetes, obesity, premature aging, and some forms of cancer is
directly related to the excess of omega 6 oils relative to the lack
of omega 3 oils in our diet.

Omega 3 oils
counter the effect of excess omega 6 oils in our diet. Clinical
trials have shown that fish oil supplementation is effective in
the treatment of many disorders including Alzheimers, hyperactivity,
heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and ulcerative colitis.
A sizable amount of medical literature shows that omega 3 oils prevent
and may help to lessen or reverse atherosclerosis, angina, heart
attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and peripheral
vascular disease.

Notable studies
include: a German study showing that omega 3 supplementation for
2 years caused regression of atherosclerotic deposits; American
research indicating a 50% lower risk of death from a sudden cardiac
event in men eating fish once or more every week as compared to
men eating fish less than once per month; and a Greek report that
fish oil supplementation reduces the number of attacks by 41% in
men suffering from angina.

In looking
for an omega 3 supplement, quality is essential. Low quality oils
may be unstable with a tendency to go rancid and may also contain
significant amounts of mercury and pesticides. High quality oils
are sometimes stabilized with vitamin E and are packaged in dark
glass or plastic as light causes deterioration of the oil.

Note that
omega 3 supplements will thin your blood. If you have any clotting
disorder, or take a prescription blood thinner or other medication
for heart conditions, please consult with your medical doctor before
supplementing.

May 15, 2012

Margaret
Durst owns The
Green House, a vitamin, herb and health food store in Mason,
Texas.

Copyright
© 2012 Margaret
Durst

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