Not so long ago we were told that all fats were bad for our health. However, the Inuit people living in the cold north traditionally mostly ate animal fats and few of them ever suffered from heart and respiratory diseases. It was found out that they consumed a lot of fish that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, for instance Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The eating habits of the Inuit suggested that not all edible fats are equal. Some of them are good and others are bad for our health.
The pioneer who introduced us to omega 3 fatty acids was Johanna Budwig (1908-2003), a German chemist who believed that what we eat has a profound effect on our health. She conducted intensive research in cancer therapy, for instance, and found out that the omega 3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil could significantly decrease the likelihood of cancer and heart diseases .
Dr. Budwig even claimed that her diet of flaxseed oil and cottage cheese could prevent and heal cancer, which naturally prompted the commercial drug industry to try to discredit her. The pharmaceutical industry had invested heavily in developing cancer medicines and it sued her for spreading false hopes but s he stood by her claims and won the court case.
While some of her views are not still not supported by mainstream medical science (and they may well be exaggerated), doctors have increasingly begun to acknowledge that omega 3 fatty acids are indeed beneficial for our heart and brain.
It was later discovered that some deep-sea fish, such as salmon, herring, and sardines, are an even better source of omega 3 fatty acids than flaxseed oil.
Omega 3 fatty acids have become a fad, but not a very bad one. In many cases they might do a better job of keeping the doctor away than eating an apple a day.
Joel - good article. Omega 3 has numerous beneficial effects on our health and recommend that everyone take a supplement on a daily basis - use a high quality molecularly distilled fish oil (removes toxins).
Research is showing the many benefits of Omega 3. Keep it coming!!:)
Good piece Joel - Omega 3s are doing more and more we are finding in time. Omega 6s and 9s are also getting some new press... looking into those myself. Marijo
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