Omega 3 vegan (DHA)

Daily Fatty Acids In The Right Amount

Our body consists to a considerable part of fats. For example, every cell has a fat membrane, and our brain is largely made up of nothing but fats (including omega-3 fatty acids). Our nerves and many metabolic processes also depend on fatty acids. But just from the right ones!

Surely you know that not all fat is the same. The classification of fatty acids and their meanings in the body are quite extensive. For this you can study for a very long time. You should know at this point that there are so-called essential fatty acids, which are those that the body needs vital. There are again different ones. In this context, we often talk about omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Each oil or fat has its own composition of different fatty acids. Significantly is thereby that the body needs different fatty acids (thus you should not supply yourselves one-sidedly with constantly only one oil sort), but that these should prevail for a good health in a good proportion.

It is known that in our society exactly these important and valuable omega-3 fatty acids are eaten far too little, and omega-6 and other rather unhealthy fatty acids too much. Therefore, the DGE (German Society for Nutrition) has long recommended an additional supply of food supplements. Because the positive influences on various body structures such as the heart and nerves have long been scientifically known.

Where Do We Get Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Why do most people now consume too few omega-3 fatty acids? Omega-3 fatty acids and the plant precursor ALA are the most unstable fatty acids, i.e. they quickly break down in food, when in contact with oxygen, during a lot of motion, and when heated. They become rancid and thus even toxic to the body (free radicals). Moreover, they are found in appreciable amounts in only a few foods.

Good sources of DHA and EPA are some varieties of fish and marine animals. But other animal products, such as milk, also contain some. Otherwise, you will find only the plant precursor (ALA) in nuts and seeds, etc., is known for it, for example, flaxseed, walnuts or chia seeds. However, the fatty acids contained there are not the real omega-3, which we need in the body, but a pre-stage. This can be converted in the body to DHA and EPA, but this occurs only to a very small percentage.

Another source of real DHA and EPA are microalgae for this purpose. They are therefore considered the most ecological source of the valuable fatty acid.

For these reasons, the vast majority of people consume far too little DHA/EPA. Also note the factor that fatty acids become rancid when heated or stored for long periods of time, etc. So don't let the advertising tell you that your margarine, UHT milk or fried fish are rich of omega-3s. If you want to take that up with these foods, you would have to consume them raw and fresh!