Benefits of Taking Omega-3 Fatty Acids Daily

MW: Can you briefly describe what Dr. Amen’s Omega-3 Power is?

KW: Omega-3 Power is a concentrated, highly purified, pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential because the body cannot produce them, therefore they must be obtained from the diet or through supplementation. Two softgels of Omega-3 Power contain 1.5 grams of omega 3 fatty acids (860 mg of EPA and 575 mg of DHA), a significantly higher amount than what is found in most concentrated fish oil supplements.

MW: How can taking a fish oil like Omega-3 Power with high amounts of EPA DHA support brain health?

KW: Omega 3 power functions to support cellular membranes and keep them flexible. Omega-3 fatty acids are comprised of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). While both are components of cellular membranes, EPA plays a critical role in supporting the healthy regulation of cellular inflammation while DHA is the most abundant omega-3 found in the brain and is important in maintaining nerve cell structure and function. With over 100 billion neurons in your brain, a daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids with high levels of EPA and DHA to adequately support these cells is essential to optimal brain health.

MW: How do omega-3s specifically support focus?

KW: Omega-3 fatty acids maintain the fluidity of the cell membranes which allows for proper communication between nerve cells, therefore, it helps to support focus and mental clarity.

MW: What happens when we don’t provide our bodies with healthy omega-3s, but instead consume a lot of saturated fat?

KW: It is essential to be mindful of the type of fats you consume. A diet high in trans fats (vegetable oil, corn oil, sunflower oil) and saturated fats (meat, dairy) can result in elevated omega-6 fatty acids, which are pro-inflammatory. Alternatively, a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, olive oil, avocados) is associated with lower levels of inflammation. One way of assessing health status is to monitor the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. An optimal ratio of omega-6:omega-3 is 1:1, but the typical ratio in the American diet is 15:1. Since the standard American diet tends to be low in omega-3 fatty acids and high in omega-6 fatty acids, a majority of individuals have high levels of inflammation in the brain and body. Ultimately, elevated inflammation can result in a myriad of serious health issues.

MW: Healthy blood flow to the brain is a hallmark of brain health. How does taking omega-3s help get more blood flow to the brain?

KW: Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to support healthy blood flow through the vasodilation of the blood vessels. This is beneficial in supporting both cardiovascular health as well as brain health.

MW: For someone who wants to take a plant-based omega-3, why is it more beneficial to go with an ultra-pure, high-potency fish oil like Omega-3 Power?

KW: Omega-3s derived from fish (sardine, salmon and mackerel) are comprised of the long chain fatty acids EPA and DHA. Omega-3s derived from plants (flaxseed, chia) are comprised of the short chain fatty acid alpha linoleic acid (ALA), which is a building block of EPA and DHA. Plant-based omega-3s contain considerably lower levels of EPA and DHA; therefore, it requires consuming a significantly higher amount to get the equivalent found in a fish-based omega-3 fatty acid supplement.

MW: What other surprising areas of health does omega-3 supplementation support?

KW: The benefits of taking omega 3 fatty acids daily not only include supporting brain and heart health, they are also essential to maintaining healthy vision, hair, skin and nails. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids support healthy joints as well as help healthy weight management.

To learn more about Omega-3 Power, click here.