What is the purpose of Omega 3?

Question

What is the purpose of Omega 3?

Answer 1

hope this helps http://www.answers.com/topic/omega-3-fat...

Answer 2

Omega-3 or fatty acid

n−3 fatty acids (popularly referred to as ω−3 fatty acids or omega-3 fatty acids) are a family of unsaturated fatty acids that have in common a carbon–carbon double bond in the n−3 position; that is, the third bond from the end of the fatty acid.

Important nutritionally essential n−3 fatty acids are: α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The human body cannot synthesize n−3 fatty acids de novo, but it can form 20- and 22-carbon unsaturated n−3 fatty acids from the eighteen-carbon n−3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid. These conversions occur competitively with n−6 fatty acids, which are essential closely related chemical analogues that are derived from linoleic acid. Both the n−3 α-linolenic acid and n−6 linoleic acid are essential nutrients which must be obtained from food. Synthesis of the longer n−3 fatty acids from linolenic acid within the body is competitively slowed by the n−6 analogues. Thus accumulation of long-chain n−3 fatty acids in tissues is more effective when they are obtained directly from food or when competing amounts of n−6 analogs do not greatly exceed the amounts of n−3.

Answer 3

Our bodies need good fats to function properly, and Omega 3 is an example of a good fat.  They use it in everything from brain function, hormone production and regulation, eye function, cardiovascular function, to everything in between!  

Don't get caught in the "low or no fat" thing.  Our bodies absolutely need fat!  Its just the type that can get confusing.  When you eat fried things or junk food, yes, there is fat in those things, but not the kind that our bodies can use for anything helpful or useful.  

Omega 3 is found in fish oil and flax oil and some other foods, but these are the highest sources.

Answer 4

well omega 3 is short for omega 3 fatty acids, they are polyunsaturated - more than most other acids commonly found in foods =) .. and differ from all other fatty acids in the placement of their first double bond. This structure is impossible for humans to make from scratch or from other fatty acids, so, we must obtain omega-3s from foods =D

go on this website and it will tell you more http://www.fatsoflife.com/fatsoflife/are...

=)

Answer 5

to keep the heart healthy....i think

Answer 6

studies have found that omega 3 fatty acids may help adhd patients. have also that may be helpful in having a healthy heart.

Answer 7

Omega-3 fatty acids are important building blocks of our cell membranes, signaling pathways and neurological systems. They play a critical role in many functions in the body and are essential for good health. These health effects were noted at first by studying the Inuit Indians, which ate a diet of marine and fish wildlife and had a significantly reduced risk of heart disease. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease are so well demonstrated that the American Heart Association has published statements since 1996 recommending increased fish intake and/or omega-3 supplements. Scientists and physicians have also discovered many other benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and the research continues to grow!

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chained, polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acids are the building blocks of triglycerides and other lipids. They are usually composed of a long chain of unbranched carbon atoms with a carboxyl group at one end. Most fatty acids contain between 4 and 24 carbon atoms in the backbone.

A saturated fatty acid has only single bonds in the carbon backbone. Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds in the carbon backbone. Thus, monounsaturated fat acids have one double bond and polyunsaturated fatty acids have two or more double bonds. These double bonds decrease the melting point – that means they are more likely to be a liquid than a solid at room temperature. The longer the carbon backbone length, the higher the melting point and the more likely to be a solid than a liquid at room temperature.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important because our bodies do not have the enzymes necessary to create double bonds after the 10th carbon from the carboxyl group. Thus, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids are essential.

Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is the only essential omega-3 fatty acid because our bodies can convert ALA into others such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). There is a wealth of scientific data that suggests the conversion rate of ALA to DHA is only in the region of 4-15%. There are, however, other conditions where this conversion is inefficient to non-existent. For example, infants and people with certain enzyme deficiencies cannot efficiently convert ALA to EPA. For this reason, EPA and DHA are sometimes considered as conditionally essential fatty acids.

The major omega-3 fatty acids are:

ALA, (alpha) linolenic acid

EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid

DHA, docosahexaenoic acid

*The dietary requirements of essential fatty acids are approximately 2% of caloric intake for adults and 3% for children.

One good question is where do we get omega-3 fatty acids? ALA is found primarily in dark green leafy vegetables, flaxseed oils, and certain vegetable oils. EPA and DHA are found primarily in oily cold-water fish such as mackerel, herring, tuna, and salmon. Unfortunately, plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids produce DHA and/or ALA and very little, if any, EPA.

Some of the Science and Health Benefits

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are very important to our everyday life and function. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are critical in the structure of our cell membranes and the development of the nervous system and form the foundation for the synthesis of cell mediators (prostaglandins and leukotrienies). These cell mediators play an important role in human physiology and can affect coagulation, inflammation and proliferation of certain cells.

More specifically, omega-3 fatty acids:

Comprise the phospholipid bilayer in the membrane of cells

Affect cell signaling and gene expression

Are primary components of brain (grey matter), retina and other nerve tissue

Form the foundation for pro-inflammatory and inhibitory compounds such as Thomboxane A2

Play a key role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases

The changing western diet has drastically changed the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio. In an effort to reduce cholesterol levels and lead healthier lifestyles, many Americans have substituted vegetable oils, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids, in place of saturated fat from animals. This change in diet has led to an enormous increase in omega-6 fatty acid consumption and has elevated the typical omega-3 fatty acid ratio of 2:1 to 25-50:1.

The dietary increase in omega-6 fatty acid ratio can have profound effects on an individual’s health. This reason is that omega-6 fatty acids do not provide the health benefits that omega-3 fatty acids do. Although omega-6 fatty acids are an important part of the cell membrane, replacement of the phospholipids EPA and DHA (derivatives of omega-3 fatty acids) with arachidonic acid (derivative of omega-6 fatty acids) leads to a more thrombogenic state. Omega-3 fatty acids and their derivates reduce thrombogenisis by altering certain pathways leading to the production of less inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes).

Here are some highlights the general differences in health benefits between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammation.

Omega-3 fatty acids are antithrombotic, omega-6 fatty acids increase blood clotting.

Omega-3 fatty acids are non-immunoreactive, omega-6 fatty acids are immunoreactive.