This is an insight as to why Omega 3 fatty acids are so very important to your fitness success, overall health and fat loss efforts.
First of all there are a number of forms of fat that are found in the human body. Most people will have heard of cholesterol, often associated with heart disease and unhealthy diets. The fats that we are interested in are triglycerides. These are absolutely vital. They are used by the body to make cell membranes and many other important structures within cellular tissue.
Fatty acids are either saturated or unsaturated. Unsaturated fatty acids are referred to as polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats. Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated and are found in abundance in fish oils. They have profound health benefits and are quite often one of the last supplements people consider taking - in reality Omega 3's should be at the top of your list.
Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce serum levels of cholesterol (important for cardiovascular health). They may also reduce the risk of one type of stroke. These benefits are often seen in people who consume a diet high in fish oils. Eskimos, for example, have a very low rate of heart disease. Athletes can benefit more so from the consumption of Omega 3's - it appears as if aerobic exercise improves Omega 3's ability to benefit cholesterol levels even further. It's also been found that Omega 3's can both enhance fat burning and actually decrease fat storage.
We're also seeing evidence to support Omega 3's increasing performance and strength levels in athletes. Studies are also showing the possibility of Omega 3's decreasing catabolism (muscle breakdown) and increase growth hormone levels.
By decreasing inflammation, Omega 3's can also reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, although it appears to be most useful in the early stages of the disease and it is not clear if it affects the progression of the disease itself. Omega-3's may also reduce the pain associated with menstrual cramps.
Sometimes it is hard to fathom the lack of importance many people associate with Omega 3's, armed with just this small amount of information you should see the vital importance of including Omega 3's in your diet.
