The growth in sales of DHA supplements has been exponential over the last few years, and for very good reasons. Lets have a look at what DHA supplements are, what they can do for your health and why so many people have taken the step of adding an Omega 3 fish oil supplement to their diet.
We have always been told that fat is bad for us. To an extent this is true, particularly saturated fat, however there are also fats which are good for us and which are considered essential for optimum health. The omega 3 fats, and in particular DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), are considered to be what is known as essential fatty acids.
They go by other names, for example long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, however the principal is that we ought to have a minimum level of intake of these fats, and in particular DHA, to maintain optimum health and to fight some health problems more successfully.
The most important source of DHA and EPA in the past has been fish in our diet. Fish, and in particular oily fish, are particularly high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids.Sadly over the last century our intake of fish has declined dramatically, and this has coincided with an increase in the range of serious health concerns, and particularly in the rise in heart disease and deaths from heart disease related conditions such as heart attacks.
Scientists have discovered from over 30 years of research that there is a link between a reduction in intake of fish, being excellent sources of DHA and EPA, and an increase in heart related conditions as well as quite a number of other health problems.
And in societies where the intake of fish remains high such as in Japan, these health conditions are much less prevalent.The evidence of the health benefits of DHA and EPA is now overwhelming and such mainstream organizations as the American Heart Association are recommending minimum levels of intake of these Omega 3 essential fatty acids.
This can be achieved by eating more fish, however for most people taking dietary supplements containing DHA and EPA, sourced from fish oil, is a much more cost-effective and easy solution.
The range of conditions which, it is considered, are benefited from increasing our intake of DHA and EPA is very wide. It is now well-known that DHA has an extremely important role in development of the brain and nervous system in the fetus and baby, and for this reason many health professionals recommend pregnant or nursing women take DHA supplements, both for their own health and for the health of their developing children.
For adults and the elderly Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining brain function, and adequate Omega 3 fats help with both memory and concentration. People of any age can be helped by improved nutrition by increasing their intake of Omega3 fats. Adequate levels of Omega3 fats reduce your risk of a range of heart related health problems including fatal heart attacks, as well as the risk of stroke.
This alone would be sufficient reason for most of us to start taking the highest quality DHA supplements, however there is a much wider list of health conditions which are beneficially impacted by increasing our intake of essential fatty acids.A reduction in the risk of macular degeneration, improvements in arthritis, a reduction in the risk of various cancers, reduced symptoms of diabetes, assistance for those suffering from depression and high blood pressure are just a few. There are many more.
Of course we can always eat more fish, and this is recommended, though there are some issues relating to toxic contamination of fish with industrial chemicals. However the reality is that for most of us our intake of fish has reduced dramatically over the last century, and fish is now a luxury item because of the price.
DHA supplements, or what can also be called Omega 3 capsules or fish oil capsules, are dietary supplements specifically designed to increase our intake of DHA and EPA in a cost-effective and simple manner. They can be taken by pregnant women, children, adults and the elderly and all will benefit.
It is arguable that discovery of the importance of DHA and EPA, those all-important essential fatty acids known as Omega 3 fatty acids, is one of the most significant discoveries to impact on the maintenance of good health of our citizens over the last half century. As more and more people begin to understand the importance of eating more fish, or taking high quality DHA supplements, the more we should be able to positively impact the health of our generation.
