Omega-3 fatty acids have a well-earned reputation as one of the most important nutrients in the modern diet. There are three major types of omega-3 fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body........
Most types of seafood, especially cold-water varieties like tuna, are rich sources of EPA and DHA. DHA serves a particularly essential role in the body as it is the primary structural component of brain tissue. ALA is found in seeds and oils, green leafy vegetables, and nuts and beans, but the human body must break it down into EPA and DHA to be usable.
The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids as a whole range from cardiac health to long-term memory retention to improved eye and skin health.
Research into DHA and EPA has been so promising that several health associations, including the American Heart Association (AHA), have repeatedly recommended that people eat one to two servings of fish per week. Some studies have even shown that fish consumption at least once weekly reduces the likelihood of heart disease among older individuals by 44 percent.
Although pregnant women, newborn and young children usually have low cardiovascular disease risk, omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to these groups as well. A recent National Institutes of Health study of women in 23 countries found that women whose breast milk was rich in DHA were less likely to suffer from postpartum depression. Researchers noted that there was an inverse relationship between the consumption of fatty fish such as tuna and the occurrence of postpartum depression. This comes as no surprise as omega-3 fatty acids have long been touted for fighting depression and easing complications of other psychological disorders. Moreover, research also indicates that EPA and DHA are important in the growth and development of newborn and young children.
Since the human body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own, canned tuna, high in lean protein and low in saturated fat, is an easy and delicious way to add omega-3 to any diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids have many remarkable properties. Here are just a few:
* Decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing the level of triglyceride fat, the rate of plaque formation, lowering blood pressure and improving the overall health of the arterial system
* Reducing the likelihood of blood clots and stroke
* Protecting against certain cancers such as breast, colon and prostate
* Therapeutic effect on autoimmune diseases including lupus and certain kidney disorders
* Preventing essential fatty acid deficiency in infants
* Optimal retinal and brain development
* Therapeutic effect on depression
* Therapeutic effect on inflammatory skin diseases
* Relieving symptoms of inflammatory diseases associated with the skin as well as arthritis and psoriasis
Looking for more reasons to eat fresh tuna? Many researchers now even believe that increased intake of omega-3 fats may also improve your sex life - by reducing feelings of depression, a frequent culprit of decreased libido. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are vital to skin cells, keeping them well conditioned and strong.