What are omega-3s?
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in certain
fish tissues such as in salmon, and in vegetable sources such as flax
seeds. Such fatty acids are also more prevalent in grass-fed or pasture-finished
livestock, compared to those fed a diet high in grains.Omega-3 fatty
acids are carbon-based molecules essential for the optimal function
of every cell in our bodies, yet we cannot manufacture them internally.
Instead, along with vitamins, these essential nutrients can be obtained
only in the diet. Over the past century, people in developed countries,
particularly in the United States, have largely eliminated omega-3 fatty
acids from their diet. There is a great deal of evidence that this has
had a very negative impact on the inner workings of many bodily systems,
most notably the heart and the brain. We are learning that restoring
the body’s natural balance of omega-3s may improve a multitude of medical
disorders, including coronary artery disease, major depression, and
bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness).
What are fatty acids?
They are lipids, (organic compounds with limited solubility in water),
that can be directly utilized as a source of energy by most body cells.
Fatty acids are the basic building blocks for all lipids. Fatty acids
are the nutritional components found in dietary fats and oils, and are
chemical "chains" consisting of carbon and hydrogen and ending
with an acid group. Fatty acids vary in length and degree of saturation,
and are generally up to 26 carbons long. The specific chemistry of the
fatty acid, including the number of carbons and double bonds, will affect
how it functions in the body, including its health benefits.
What are unsaturated fatty acids?
Unsaturated fatty acids result when not all carbons in the chemical
chain are saturated with hydrogen. This means that the fat molecule
contains one or more double bond. The double bonds create "kinks"
in the molecule, producing a fat that is fluid at room temperature.
Unsaturated fats are known as "good" fats because they help
cellular function and promote heart health. There are two types of unsaturated
fatty acids: 1. Monounsaturates - fatty acids that contain one double
bond. These fats are fluid at room temperature. For example, oleic acid,
which is found in olive and sesame oils. 2. Polyunsaturates - fatty
acids that contain more than one double bond. These are the most fluid
fats of all and include fats such as corn, soybean, and sunflower oils.
Essential Fatty Acid oils also fall into this category.
What are saturated fats?
Saturated fat is a type of fat found in animal products, usually solid
at room temperature. Tends to raise blood cholesterol levels. Saturated
fatty acids result when all carbons in the chemical chain are "saturated"
with hydrogen. This means that the fat molecule does not contain any
double bonds. Saturated fats are dense, solid fats that do not melt
at room temperature - for example the white fat in beef and lamb. These
are the so-called "bad" fats that are known to contribute
to cardiovascular disease when consumed in excess.
What is EPA / DHA?
EPA / DHA is an essential fatty acid which stands for docosahexaenoic
acid and eicosahexaenoic acid. This essential fatty acid is an Omega
3 fat, which is found in cold water fish. EPA DHA are highly unsaturated
fat because of they contain 6 and 5 double bond s on their long structural
chain. These polyunsaturated fats play a very important role with the
function of our bodies. EPA and DHA are converted into hormone like
substances called prostaglandins, and they regulate cell activity and
healthy cardiovascular function.
How do omega-3 fatty acids benefit my health?
The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids were first discovered in
the late 1970’s. Medical researchers began studying the marine-based
diet of the Inuit to learn how these hunter-gatherer groups avoided
such old-age infirmities as heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. According
to Dr. Andrew Stoll’s book The Omega-3 Connection, “the Inuit advantage
was attributed to the very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA,
found in their food staples of fatty fish and fish-eating marine mammals
like whales and seals.” All sea creatures need EPA and DHA to keep their
body tissues warm and elastic in icy waters. These anti-inflammatory
properties can be measured in the human body as well. Documented reports
show that omega-3s play a beneficial role in reducing coronary artery
disease, calming rheumatoid arthritis, and lessening depression.
What is the difference between plant- and animal-source
omega-3s?
At the core of both plant- and animal-source omega-3s is a cluster of
molecules called LNA. This alpha-linolenic acid is a long-chain fatty
acid that comes mainly from plant foods like walnuts, flaxseed, and
green leafy vegetables. When your body absorbs fats containing LNA,
enzymes convert some of it into longer, more highly polyunsaturated
omega-3s called EPA and DHA. These desirable omega-3s are more beneficial
to your health, but your body needs about ten LNAs to make one EPA.
Fish, on the other hand, contains little LNA, but is rich in EPA and
DHA. Eating fish simply means that your body doesn’t have to work so
hard converting fatty acids. Fish is your most accessible and concentrated
source of EicosaPentaeonic Acid and DocosaHexaeonic Acid.
What is Astaxathin?
Astaxanthin is an important naturally occurring molecule and the most
abundant carotenoid in the marine world it can be found in many of our
favourite seafood such as salmon, trout, seabream and shrimps.
Astaxanthin can not be synthesized by animals and must be provided in
the diet. It is a natural carotenoid that gives our oil its rich orange
color—and is up to 100 times more potent than Vitamin E at quenching
singlet oxygen ‘free radicals’.
What is Krill?
Krill is a small shimp-like crustacean. It is the most important zooplankton
species associated with the sea ice and plays a key role in the Antarctic
food web. Each krill consists of about 15% high quality protein containing
vital amino acids and about 3% fat and vitamins. It also supplies minerals
such as iron, phosphorus, and calcium. It is very nutritious and a natural
source of energy.
How is Krill Oil made?
Krill are caught in the clear Antarctic Ocean and are processed within
one hour and packed onboard specially equipped ships to ensure freshness,
taste and superlative quality.
What does Antartica Select Krill Oil contain?
Antarctica Select is guaranteed to contain 100% antarctic krill oil.
Krill oil contains high levels of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant,
as indicated by the deep ruby color. It also contains higher quantities
of fatty acids, notably EPA and DHA, than other fish oils.
