omega-3 fatty acids
The health benefits that are believed to be associated with Omega-3 fatty acid intake include: decreased inflammation, help for arthritis, and reduced symptoms of depression. Omega-3 may even boost health and intelligence of babies whose mothers increase Omega-3 intake during pregnancy. While often a recommended source of Omega-3, fish and fish-oil supplements may not be safe due to the presence of dioxins, PCBs, mercury, and other industrial pollutants. Farm animals such as chicken are likewise no longer a good source of Omega-3 due to genetic manipulation. Omega-3 enriched eggs can be a source, but eggs are loaded with cholesterol and arachidonic acid (see here and here). Two excellent sources of Omega-3 are flax seeds and algae-based DHA supplements, which are bioequivalent to fish oil but do not have the harmful industrial toxins.
Topic summary contributed by Elizabeth Stolle.
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Watch videos about omega-3 fatty acids
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Is Distilled Fish Oil Toxin-Free?Researchers test molecularly distilled fish oil supplements for industrial pollutants.
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Hair Testing for MercuryDue to the state of the world's oceans, human biomarkers for fish consumption now include dioxins, PCBs, and mercury.
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Does Eating Obesity Cause Obesity?The implications of chicken now having ten times more fat and calories.
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Flaxseeds vs. Chia SeedsFlax and chia seeds can both be considered superfoods, but which one has the edge?
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Is Cod Liver Oil Good For You?Even distilled cod liver oil supplements may have toxic levels of vitamin A.
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The Problem with Organic SalmonMuch of our fish supply is so polluted that algae-derived sources of long chain omega-3 fatty acids may be safest option.
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DDT in Fish Oil SupplementsThough banned decades ago, the pesticide DDT persists in the food supply.
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Preventing ArthritisEven flexitarians might be at increased risk for developing arthritis.
