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How do omega-3 fatty acids benefit my health?
The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids were first discovered in the late 1970’s. Medical researchers began studying the marine-based diet of the Inuit to learn how these hunter-gatherer groups avoided such old-age infirmities as heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. According to Dr. Andrew Stoll’s book The Omega-3 Connection, “the Inuit advantage was attributed to the very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, found in their food staples of fatty fish and fish-eating marine mammals like whales and seals.” All sea creatures need EPA and DHA to keep their body tissues warm and elastic in icy waters. These anti-inflammatory properties can be measured in the human body as well. Documented reports show that omega-3s play a beneficial role in reducing coronary artery disease, calming rheumatoid arthritis, and lessening depression.
What is the difference between plant- and animal-source omega-3s?
At the core of both plant- and animal-source omega-3s is a cluster of molecules called LNA. This alpha-linolenic acid is a long-chain fatty acid that comes mainly from plant foods like walnuts, flaxseed, and green leafy vegetables. When your body absorbs fats containing LNA, enzymes convert some of it into longer, more highly polyunsaturated omega-3s called EPA and DHA. These desirable omega-3s are more beneficial to your health, but your body needs about ten LNAs to make one EPA. Fish, on the other hand, contains little LNA, but is rich in EPA and DHA. Eating fish simply means that your body doesn’t have to work so hard converting fatty acids. Fish is your most accessible and concentrated source of EicosaPentaeonic Acid and DocosaHexaeonic Acid.
What is the difference between long-chain and short-chain omega-3s?
Not all omega-3s are created equal. First, there are long-chain and short-chain versions of omega-3s. The shorter chains are contained in vegetable and plant sources such as walnuts and flaxseed oil and leafy green vegetables. Since the human body requires the long chain forms vegetable source omega 3s are of relatively limited nutritional value. While some may be converted to the longer chains, the process is inefficient--only about 5% or so--and not everyone is able to do so at the same rate.
For this reason it is important to eat food sources of the long-chain omega-3s like cold water fish. There are two main components to long chain omega-3s, docosahexonoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA). EPA has anti-inflammatory properties, and is more relevant to regulating mood than DHA. DHA, however, is also key for healthy cells and is found in high concentrations in the brain, retina and sperm, and is especially crucial for pregnant and nursing women and infants.
Why are fish source omega-3s so important for pregnant and nursing woman?
Many studies indicate that the DHA component of the Omega 3 family is essential to early childhood brain and retinal system development. Omegas 3s are therefore believed to be essential to good health and normal development of both the fetus and newborn. Research indicates that children born to mothers consuming higher quantities of omega-3 rich fish are healthier at birth and exhibit higher IQs later in life, especially if the infant is breast fed for 6-8 months. It is important to understand that the beneficial long chain omegas 3s are found in fish, not vegetable source omega 3s like flaxseed oil. The following links will guide you to some fascinating reading about the importance of omega 3 fatty acids in maternal nutrition:
Essential Fatty Acids in Mothers and their neonates
Omega 3s and Infant Retinal Development
The Vital Role of Essential Fatty Acids for Pregnant and Nursing Women
What are antioxidants and how do they benefit my health?
Antioxidants are dietary nutrients that help prevent the cell and tissue damage caused by free radicals in the body. Free radicals are highly reactive, unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress, and can lead to degenerative diseases such as cancer and arthritis. Antioxidants fight oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. Naturally occurring fish oils contain good concentrations of Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. In wild salmon, the pigment that gives the fish its rich red color is also a very powerful antioxidant. Studies suggest that astaxanthin (as-tuh-zan’-thin) may be 100 times more powerful than Vitamin E at quenching free radicals. This antioxidant is also thought to be 10 times more effective than other carotenoids, like beta-carotene.
Are omega-3s and antioxidants available in other foods or in supplements?
Omega-3s and antioxidants are readily available in fruits, vegetables, and fish. Supplemental forms are also available, but studies show that food-source omega-3s are preferable to pills. Naturally occurring fish oils provide one of the most concentrated and accessible forms of omega-3 fatty acids.
What are the nutritional benefits of salmon?
An excellent source of protein, Alaska canned salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids. It contains all the essential amino acids, as well as B-complex vitamins like niacin and riboflavin. According to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, “Alaska canned salmon is rich in selenium, vitamin E, zinc and low-fat protein, all noted for strengthening immune systems.” They also note “the delicate, edible bones present in Alaska canned salmon are good to eat and high in bone-building vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.” For more information, visit www.alaskaseafood.org
Is salmon low in fat or low in calories?
According to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, a 3.5 oz. serving size of Alaska canned salmon contains 137-142 calories. Calories from fat: 54-60, which represents about 10% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Total fat: 6-7 grams, saturated fat: 1.5-1.9 grams. For more information, visit www.alaskaseafood.org.
Are chemicals added to your salmon?
Vital Choice salmon contains NO added chemicals, including those that may be administered prior to harvest. No artificial coloring. No Preservatives. No pesticides. No growth hormones. No antibiotics. No GMOs.
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