Fish oils have been found to lower triglycerides, LDL (lousy) cholesterol, blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Omega-3s are important to consume in your diet since they are an essential fat that your body cannot produce. Consume at least one gram each day (1,000 mg) and up to 3 grams (3,000 mg). If you are currently taking Coumadin, aspirin or other blood-thinners like garlic, vitamin E, or Ginkgo Biloba do not take this in supplemental form unless approved by your doctor. Too many blood thinners can be dangerous!
The three types of omega-3 fats are:
1. LNA (alpha-linolenic acid) is found in plant foods, especially walnuts, pumpkin and flaxseeds, soybeans, and oils such as canola, soybean, walnuts, pumpkin, and flax.
2. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is found in fish oil of cold-water fish.
3. DHA (docosahexanoic acid) is found in fish oil.
You will receive omega-3 fats indirectly from LNA. The body needs to convert LNA into the more useable form of omega-3 fats known as EPA or DHA. This conversion is only 15% successful. Therefore, if you have to choose between a flax oil supplement and a fish oil supplement, fish oil is best.
