By Karen A. Stephenson

Omega-3 sounds like it originated from a sci-fi film, but these essential fatty acids have rapidly become one of the hottest food additives highly beneficial to human health. Food manufacturers were quick to respond to research that indicates these potentially life-saving fatty acids can enhance their products to help people live longer.

The "3" in Omega-3 refers to the major types of fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA which are more readily used by the body. Omega-3 is an important component of almost all cell membranes; therefore, sufficient amounts of these fatty acids are necessary and need to be balanced to maintain good health.

Insufficient Omega-3 May Cause Death

Researchers at The Harvard School of Public Health have discovered that 72,000 lives could be saved every year if people had more Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. The April 2009 issue of PloS Medicine published a study titled, "The Preventable Causes of Death in the United States: Comparative Risk Assessment of Dietary Lifestyle and Metabolic Risk Factors." It states that the leading preventable causes of death are:

1. Tobacco smoking (436,000 to 500,000 annually).
2. High blood pressure (372,000 to 414,000 annually).
3. Obesity (188,000 to 237,000 annually).
4. Physical inactivity (164,000 to 222,000 annually).
5. High salt intake (97,000 to 107,000 annually).
6. Omega-3 deficiency (72,000 to 96,000 annually).

Health Benefits

Clinical studies suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in treating a variety of health conditions. It is highly recommended for those who want to increase their Omega-3 intake through ingesting foods or taking supplements to do so only on the advice of their family physician or naturopathic doctor.

Protection from heart attacks: Omega-3 fatty acids lower blood triglyceride levels therefore reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Rheumatoid arthritis: Research has proven that regular intake of Omega-3 fish oil supplements reduces the stiffness and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

High blood pressure: Regular intake of Omega-3 has a significant effect on those suffering from high blood pressure.

Cancer: Omega-3 fatty acids have been beneficial in treating many forms of cancer, including colon, breast and prostate cancer. These essential acids stop the spread of cancerous cells into healthy blood cells.

Anti-inflammatory: Oil supplements have anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful in boosting the immune system. Ulcerative colitis patients benefit greatly by Omega-3 fish oil supplements.

Depression and Psychosis: Many mental health conditions, including depression, psychosis, and bipolar disorder, can be effectively alleviated with Omega-3 fish oil supplements.

Childhood Disorders: Dyspraxia, dyslexia, ADD, ADHD and some compulsive disorders have been greatly improved through the use of Omega-3 fish oil.

Diabetes: Individuals who have diabetes tend to have high triglyceride and low HDL levels. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help lower triglycerides and apoproteins (diabetes markers), and increase HDL, so people with diabetes can benefit from eating foods or taking supplements that contain EPA and DHA.

Alzheimer's Disease: A study that was published in the March 2005 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience states that Omega-3 fatty acids may protect the body from the accumulation of the protein that is believed to be linked to Alzheimer's. This study specifically investigated DHA and although the results are not conclusive, they are encouraging.

Where to Get Omega-3 Naturally

Plant sources of Omega-3 are found in green leafy vegetables (such as dark green lettuces and spinach), broccoli, purslane, wheat germ, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, hemp seed, hemp oil, soybeans, soybean oil, olive oil, safflower oil, corn oil and canola oil.

The best source of Omega-3 comes from marine sources. Although there are fish oil supplements available, eating fresh fish also delivers high levels of Omega-3. Keep in mind, though, that smoked fish reduces the Omega-3 value to about one third. Some marine sources include: salmon, tuna, trout, king mackerel, sea bass, halibut, herring, oysters, sardines and krill.