Meghan Lyons, M.S.
Feb 24, 2012
There are many things you can do this National Heart Health month to promote the health of your heart, and supplementing with heart-healthy nutrients is one of them. Of particular importance are omega-3 fatty acids—nutrients that are very well-recognized for the role they play in heart health. Read on for a deeper look into the world of omega-3s and how Nature Made’s omega-3 supplements can help in supporting a healthy heart.
What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3s exist within the larger umbrella of dietary fats. Although in today’s world we are primed to think of ‘fat’ in a negative context, these types of fats are actually very healthy fats that all people are encouraged to consume.
From a nutritional and health-related perspective, there are three omega-3 fatty acids that have beneficial roles in your body and they include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Although ALA is indeed important, the majority of omega-3 research has been on EPA and DHA, which is why we tend to focus more on recommendations for these two omega-3s.
In terms of sources, ALA is found in plant-based foods like avocados, walnuts, olive oil and tofu whereas EPA and DHA come from marine-based sources like salmon, sardines and algae.
Why Do I Need Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3s are critical to human health and provide the structural integrity for all your cells. ALA, EPA and DHA are incorporated into cell membranes and are necessary for effective cell function, normal growth and proper development. When it comes to your health, the omega-3s—especially EPA and DHA—are most notably studied and recommended for the beneficial role they play in heart health. Supportive but not conclusive research show that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3s fatty acids may reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Another reason why it is important to pay attention to your omega-3 intake is because many people don’t consume enough of these heart healthy nutrients through their normal diet. And even though official intake guidelines for EPA and DHA do not exist, many leading experts and expert organizations have proposed such guidelines because of the importance they place on consumption of these nutrients.
Supplementing with Omega-3s: A Heart-healthy Choice
If you don’t get enough ALA, EPA and DHA through your diet, then turning to supplements can be a great choice. Nature Made offers three different types of omega-3 supplements and they include Fish Oil, Krill Oil and Flaxseed Oil.
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Fish Oil : Fish Oil is a strong, natural source of the omega-3s EPA and DHA—the two most critical omega-3s for your health. Nature Made is pleased to offer a wide selection of Fish Oil products that deliver a variety of strengths to meet your needs—from 250 to 660 mg of total EPA and DHA per capsule. Our Burp-Less Fish Oil formulas are prepared with a special coating to help prevent a fishy flavor or aftertaste, and are a great option if you are sensitive to regular fish oil capsules. And if you have swallowing concerns, then you’ll surely like our new Fish Oil Minis.
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Krill Oil : Krill Oil, which is extracted from the small crustacean, is also a natural source of EPA and DHA. Not only does Krill Oil provide the omega-3s but it also delivers an antioxidant called Astaxanthin. Many people really like Krill Oil because it is a small softgel and has no fishy aftertaste or odor. However, compared to fish oil, Krill Oil has a much lower EPA and DHA concentration, which means you may need to take more capsules in order to meet the EPA and DHA amount that some experts and expert organizations recommend (which is 500 mg for healthy adults).
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Flaxseed Oil : Nature Made Flaxseed Oil is a great plant-based source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, and is especially convenient if you avoid fish and shellfish in your regular diet. In addition, ALA is also beneficial for heart health.
All in all, there is no denying the benefits of omega-3s and the importance of getting enough in your diet. We hope it is nice to know that Nature Made is here for you to support your heart health and omega-3 needs.