Omega 3

What are Omega‐3 fatty acids?

Omega‐3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are classed as healthy fats because they are known to have health benefits. Fish oil is a natural source of Omega‐3 fatty acids.

While Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for brain health, our bodies cannot make them. They need to be consumed through the diet or via supplementation.

Fish is a rich dietary source of Omega-3, including EPA and DHA, particularly cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna. Omega-3 can also be taken in the form of fish oil capsules.

What is the EPA and DHA in fish oil?

EPA and DHA stand for eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid respectively, and refer to the long chain Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and other marine sources. These fats play many important roles in the functioning of our bodies and are responsible for the health benefits of fish oil.

Research suggests that the roles of these Omega-3’s in the body include:

• Manage general health and wellbeing – EPA and DHA are important structural components of cells throughout the body and are required for normal growth and cell function.
• Assist in the development and function of the brain – Omega-3 fatty acids, mostly DHA, make up a significant portion of the brain where they’re responsible for maintaining brain structure and function, and supporting memory and cognitive processes.
• Support joint health and pain management – Omega-3 may help relieve mild rheumatic aches and pain.
• Assist in visual development and function – DHA is an important part of the retina in our eyes, and both EPA and DHA can help maintain healthy eye function as we age.
• Maintain normal mood – EPA and DHA from fish oil may help support mood in healthy individuals.
• Maintain heart and cardiovascular health.

Why are Omega‐3 fatty acids so good for my heart?

To help maintain heart health, Australian adults are recommended to consume at least 500mg of Omega‐3 essential fatty acids each week and some people may require more.

Research into Eskimo and Japanese populations whose diets are high in fish, show a low prevalence of heart conditions. This observation led to many studies investigating the effect of fish oil on cardiovascular health.

The Omegas-3 found in fish oil help to maintain general well-being and offer many benefits for heart health. Omega-3 is thought to support heart health through several possible mechanisms, including:

• Increases the Omega-3 content in membranes of mature blood cell.

Are Omega-3 supplements from the sea sustainable?

Fish and krill oil are all natural marine sources of Omega-3. For many consumers, it’s important to know whether the Omega-3 supplements they choose to use are responsibly and sustainably sourced.

• Fish oil

  The fish used in the manufacture of Nature’s Own fish oil products are sourced from the cold waters of the deep sea and include fish such as mackerel, sardines, anchovies, herring and salmon. These wild fish are sustainably harvested from pristine waters according to strict industry regulations.

• Krill oil

  Nature’s Own sources its krill sustainably from Antarctic waters, where the particular species harvested (Euphausia Superba) is found in abundance. Krill fisheries and quotas in the Antarctic are also strictly monitored by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). This ensures that the ecological balance of the area is protected.