Understanding how your body benefits from eating omega-3 fatty acids is an important part of understanding why you should eat them. But, until recently, no one really knew what made omega-3s so beneficial. Researchers, however, have uncovered the secret of omega-3 fatty acids. A study at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston revealed that omega-3s actually convert into compounds that are 10,000 times more potent than the original fatty acids themselves. So what does this mean to us? The new compounds include resolvins, which help bring the inflammatory response to an end, says the study’s lead researcher, Charles Serhan, PhD, director, Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury at Harvard Medical School, Boston.
In a healthy immune system, the normal inflammatory process repairs damage and protects the body from infections. But in arthritis and inflammatory diseases, an overactive immune response leads to tissue degradation. Serhan’s research showed that the same pathway that signals the start of inflammation also includes an off switch. Omega-3s convert into these more powerful compounds, putting the brakes on this active process and causing it to screech to a halt, says Serhan.
What is not yet known is how much omega-3s are needed to optimize the body’s conversion from omega-3s into resolvins, says Serhan. Both Serhan and the American Dietetic Association, however, recommend food over supplements to reap omega-3 benefits. The best source: fish.
To learn more about omega-3 fatty acid benefits and other helpful nutrients for arthritis, check out the Arthritis Today Supplement Guide. (http://www.arthritis.org/at-supplement-guide.php)
Fatty Acid Benefits: How Omega-3s Reduce Inflammation
Researchers have long known omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation. Now they know how
By Linda Richards
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Leslie
14 Mar 2010, 15:45
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| The new Omega-3 Complex from Arbonne is fabulous! |
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Guiselle
01 Feb 2010, 12:24
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| My daughter is now 15 years old she was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis
at the age of 13. She is now on Enbrel and Metrotrexate, some weeks she
takes Celebrex. Shes sometimes very weak and in pain what else can I give her?? Im worried about her school performance and is sometimes depressed. |
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newbie
17 Jan 2010, 23:12
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| yep, i definitely see a difference between taking fish oil supplements and actually eating fish. my hand hurts less after I've eaten sardines & mackerel. so far I've only tried those two, but I'm pretty impressed by the difference they seem to make. |
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Jerry
11 Oct 2009, 08:57
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| There is a great new product for osteoarthritis called OmniFlex. It was just released. It contains omega-3's in fish oil and krill oil. Also contains collagen II, pine bark extract and rosehips. Works in about 2-3 weeks. |
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Daphne Enmon
28 Jun 2009, 17:21
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| You should try TripleLifeLine. This product has the 3 Omega's, Omega 3,
Omega 6 and omega 9. Very powerful and good for you too. visit: www.ardysslife.com/daphneenmon Look in the Nutrition Section. |
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Mary
18 Jun 2009, 20:58
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| Thanks Pam, I was just diagnosed. I will try the turmeric Curcumin! |
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PAM
16 Jun 2009, 15:14
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| I FOUND A REMEMDY FOR INFLAMMATION THAT WORKS WONDERS AND ITS ALL NATURAL. ITS CALL DOCTOR'S PRIDE...TURMERIC CURCUMIN 500 MG. TAKE ONE A DAY, IT ONLY TOOK 4 DAYS FOR ME TO NOTICE A BIG DIFFERENCE. WHAT A BLESSING. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. |
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paula trimm
30 Mar 2009, 04:39
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| I'm in pain.i'm irratable.Thanks for the information. Now may I please have a copy? |
