A healthy diet should have a ratio of Omega-6 fats to Omega-3 fats of 4:1 or less, even 1:1. Although Omega-6 has its own health benefits, too much Omega 6:3 can promote inflammation, which is the basis for a lot of disease processes. Thus, increasing your Omega-3 intake is a great health asset.

Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with many health benefits including protection from heart disease and stroke. There may also be potential benefits in preventing inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune diseases.

There are two major types of Omega-3 fatty acids in our diets. One is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in some vegetable oils such as soybean, canola, and flaxseed, as well as walnuts. The other type of Omega-3 includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, and scallops. EPA and DHA are considered long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids and these provide more health benefits than short-chained Omega 3’s.

Since most of us do not get enough fish in the diet, taking a fish oil supplement is a great way to raise your Omega-3 levels. More importantly, the amount of EPA and DHA in the fish oil supplement is an important consideration. Daily intake of EPA should be 2,500 to 4,000 mg, and DHA 1,000 to 3,000 mg, and if this is not being consumed via fish, olive oil, flax, walnuts, and beans, then a quality fish oil supplement is a smart addition to your health profile.