What are EPA and DHA?
EPA and DHA are both Omega-3 fatty acids. They are essential, meaning that the body cannot create or synthesize these fatty acids on its own. Making sure that you are consuming enough of these two is vital for proper overall health and wellness. They also regulate a strong metabolism.
Traditionally, omega-3s are consumed through fatty fish and oils. However, our modern world has dramatically reduced the intake of omega-3s and our health is reflecting this change. Cardiovascular disease, degenerative brain disease, depression, and many other complications are a result of an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.
EPA and DHA work together to cohesively balance a healthy body. However, they are two very different fatty acids that have specific functions within the body.
What is EPA?
Eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, is the anti-inflammatory fatty acid. Studies have shown its ability to affect cognitive health-- including EPA consumption causing significant inflammation reduction, thinning of the blood to increase bloodflow to the brain and strengthened connectivity within neural messengers that operate functions within the body. This also benefits the communication between the organs and the brain to boost memory, mood, and comprehension. Eicosanoids, compounds that cause inflammation, are halted by EPA. Talk about brain food!
What is DHA?
Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, is the most plentiful fatty acid within the body. It is found not only in the brain, but also in the retina of your eye. It is also synthesized from ALA consumption, so it does not need to be directly consumed. However, it is wise to supplement with DHA if ALA levels are not high enough.
Pregnancy and DHA have been linked, showing that breast milk contains DHA and is essential for a healthy baby's growth and development. It may achieve this healthy balance because it is a part of the transportation of taurine, choline, and glycine which benefit overall health and energy to build cells. DHA deficiency has been repeatedly linked to depressive states.
Algae create DHA which is used in vegetarian omega-3 supplements. Vegetarians can get their essential fatty acids too!
Why are they beneficial?
Omega-3s have been shown to improve brain health and heart health. Many mood disorders are directly linked with low omega-3 consumption-- especially depression. The science is just as impressive: a recent study has correlated intake of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, with greater cognitive function and slowed decline of brain health over time. Your brain is almost 70% fatty tissue, so these findings are not surprising. Nonetheless, we are not getting enough of this powerful nutrient. Fuel your mind and benefit your health throughout your life with these two essential fatty acids.
How much do I need?
The amount of omega-3 fatty acids per day is always dependent on your diet, activity level, genetics, and age. There is no standard daily requirement of omega-3 fatty acids, however, most experts agree that no more than 3 grams a day should be consumed. There is little evidence showing that higher amounts per day are harmful to human health. In order to reach this optimum level of healthy fats, the equivalent of 4 ounces of fish must be consumed on each day of the week. You can save money and reduce exposure to toxins by looking into an omega-3 supplement to maximize the anti-inflammatory health benefits of DHA and EPA.
Why a supplement? The dangers of fish consumption.
Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally found in fish and can be consumed through the diet this way. However, many fish are recommended to only be eaten in moderation. Because of the global climate change that is occurring, toxins are being found in oceans and lakes all over the world. They are called polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. The biggest fish that are consuming smaller fish within their ecosystems are polluted with the same toxins we have been disposing of for decades. This is because the tiniest organisms at the bottom of the food chain are polluted, which are eaten by slightly larger organisms who become more polluted, and the pollutants become more significant as you go higher up the food chain. These toxins inevitably exist in the fish you eat in very high amounts, especially larger fish like tuna and salmon.
Unfortunately, even though PCBs were banned in 1976, they are still found in our waters and the air today. For this reason, taking a supplement that contains EPA and DHA is a safer decision. While the oils may still be extracted from the fish, you are significantly reducing the impact of the toxins that exist within the entire fish.
Taking a supplement, especially a liquid gel or capsulated form, allows your body to rapidly absorb and utilize the omega-3 fatty acids and immediately heal internal inflammation. Pure Encapsulations EPA Ultimate Softgels are produced with your health in mind: they are eco-friendly and contain high quality EPA fish oil as well as DHA and vitamin E.
Deficiency states and statistics.
Brain health and omega-3 consumption are directly linked. Any symptoms related to brain function, such as depression, loss of concentration, and fatigue, can be remedied through the supplementation of these essential fatty acids.
In addition, inflammation and pain are found to be reduced with the intake of DHA and EPA. This is likely due to the anti-inflammatory benefits they have on the body. Heart health and omega-3s are connected too. In a scientific study, the risk of cardiac arrest was reduced by 35 percent when about a gram of omega-3 fatty acids were consumed each day.
Nurturing your brain with DHA and EPA will cause a chain reaction that benefits all of the processes within your body. Your heart will also be conditioned to resist damage and disease with the supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids. In today's world of high stress and busy schedules, taking the extra step to preserve your most powerful organs within the body can extend your life for decades. At CAMFormulas, we understand the need for uncomplicated solutions, and are here to support you on your journey to vibrant health.
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