H.O.P.E Formula: Omega Oils

What are Essential Fatty Acids?

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are a type of polyunsaturated fats commonly referred to as “good fats”. They include Omega-3 fats and Omega-6 fats, found primarily in cold-water fish, flax seeds and certain vegetable oils, and they are considered essential because the human body cannot produce them on its own. In addition to supporting the structure and function of every cell in the body, EFAs help lubricate the colon and promote gastrointestinal health. Although not considered essential (as the body can produce limited amounts on its own) Omega-9 fats are also important, as they have been shown to support the immune system and promote a healthy inflammatory response in the body. While each is important to our overall health, the typical American diet is most deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids?

• Support a healthy digestive tract*
• Support a healthy inflammatory response in the body*
• Nourish active tissues such as brain, heart, eyes and kidneys*
• Support healthy immune and nervous system function*
• Support circulatory health and healthy metabolism*
• Support brain health and development*
• Promote healthy hormone balance*
• Promote a positive mood*

How Much Omega-3 Do You Need Each Day?

The World Health Organization recommends at least 2 grams of Omega-3 oils per day, which is consistent with the H.O.P.E. Formula. Because the body does not produce these beneficial fats, the only way to get them is through your diet or dietary supplementation.

The Different Types of Omega-3s

There are three types of Omega-3 oils. The two you may be most familiar with are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), both of which are found primarily in cold-water fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel. Other than some types of fresh kelp, plant foods rarely contain EPA or DHA. By contrast, the third Omega-3 oil, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), is found primarily in dark-green, leafy vegetables, flaxseed oil and certain vegetable oils, and is thus easier to include in your diet.

Increase Your Omega-3 Intake with the Following Foods:

Fish. Choose cold-water fish such as salmon, halibut, tuna, sardines, herring and mackerel.

Red Meat. Two sources of red meat that are rich in Omega-3s include venison and buffalo meat. While venison is not widely available, buffalo is actually gaining in popularity and can be found in many markets and health food stores.

Plant Sources. There are several Omega-3 plant sources, including flaxseed and flaxseed oil, walnuts, and some leafy green vegetables.

The Advantage of Omega-3 Supplementation

Although consuming plenty of cold-water fish is considered beneficial due to their high Omega-3 content, many people do not eat enough fish to receive their daily Omega-3 needs. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, a 3-oz. serving of salmon contains less than 1.7 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids. There is also significant evidence showing that certain types of fish contain high levels of mercury (a neurotoxin) and should not be eaten regularly.

One of the major advantages of taking a fish oil supplement is that purification techniques are used to ensure that the beneficial oils are free of detectable levels of mercury, PCBs and other contaminants. Be sure to choose a fish oil supplement that has been manufactured using such techniques. Also, taking a daily fish oil supplement is actually less expensive than eating salmon every day!

Lipase: The Most Important Ingredient in Your Oil Supplement

Lipase is an enzyme that helps digest fats. Because it assists with digestion and therefore maximizes the absorption of the healthy Omega-3 oils, it is important to choose a fish oil supplement that contains lipase.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.