We’ve all heard commercials and television experts touting the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids.  Even the renowned Dr. Oz makes a point to highlight the many benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids on a regular basis.  But few of us are getting enough Omega 3s in our diets.  Let’s take a look at what these acids do for our diets and our health, and why we should make sure we're getting enough of them.

When it comes to diet, one of the most important things to understand is that Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to energy production.  ALA, which is the precursor to both EPA and DHA (two other Omega 3s), is a vital source of energy for the body that certainly shouldn’t be overlooked as part of your supplement regimen if you aren’t getting enough of it through things like flaxseed, algae, and fish.

Of course, energy is far from the only benefit of Omega 3 fatty acids.  In fact, the University of Montreal recently conducted a study that showed that Omega 3s are highly effective at treating depression.  Considering the rate of depression in the US and around the world, this is crucial news.  For many, it may even be able to be part of a supplement and lifestyle regimen that can help reduce dependence on side effect laden medications.

Omega 3s are also potent anti-inflammatories, which can help with a myriad of conditions.  The anti inflammatory properties of these oils can help with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and asthma, while preliminary evidence also shows that they may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.  Fish oils also help lower triglycerides while also helping to boost neurological development in prenatal infants.

One thing many people do not know when it comes to Omega 3’s and weight loss is that these acids are essential in order for the body to behave properly, even though our body cannot produce them.  Omega 3s help lower insulin levels in the body, which in turn helps ensure that extra calories are burned off for energy rather than being stored in the body as fat.  Fat burning is also increased by the fact that Omega 3 fatty acids help increase the body’s metabolism.

With more energy from Omega 3s, many users find themselves with much greater ability and motivation to exercise, especially when taken with supplements that also contain other energy boosting ingredients, such as B12, D3, and other essential vitamins and minerals.  Many users of Omega 3s are also quite surprised to learn that the oils help improve function in the liver, the organ responsible for managing fat within the body.

Another Omega 3 benefit to weight loss is the suppression of cortisol production.  Cortisol is a stress hormone that is part of the body’s fight-or-flight process.  As we have moved toward much more sedentary lifestyles than our ancestors, it has become common for cortisol production to increase based on stress and what we eat, with no means of burning it off.  Omega 3 fatty acids help suppress cortisol, in turn helping to reduce the storage of extra calories as fat.

In truth, much of the reason that our bodies are so in need of Omega 3 fatty acid supplements is that we simply are not the same as we were thousands of years ago.  Our ancestors dined frequently on fish and other sources of Omega 3s, and found themselves frequently in fight or flight situations that made cortisol production absolutely essential.  While this may no longer be the case, the needs and reactions of our bodies are still the same.

While an all-fish diet might seem like a great way to boost Omega 3s, it would also create a myriad of other deficiencies.  For this reason, it is best to find a supplement that contains a number of potent sources of Omega 3 fish oils and other nutrients vital to weight loss and energy production.  As always, consult your doctor with regard to adding any supplement to your daily regimen.