Omega 3 EPA Benefits
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA or also icosapentaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid. Omega 3 EPA Benefits obtained in the human diet by eating oily fish or fish oil, e.g., cod liver, herring, mackerel, salmon, menhaden and sardine, and various types of edible seaweed. It is also found in human breast milk. However, fish do not naturally produce EPA, but obtain it from the algae they consume.
The human body converts alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to EPA. ALA is itself an essential fatty acid, an appropriate supply of which must be ensured. The efficiency of the conversion of ALA to EPA, however, is much lower than the absorption of EPA from food containing it. Because EPA is also a precursor to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), ensuring a sufficient level of EPA on a diet containing neither EPA nor DHA is harder both because of the extra metabolic work required to synthesize EPA and because of the use of EPA to metabolize DHA.
EPA can help blood from clotting easily. These fatty acids also reduce pain and swelling which is a great thing.
EPA is effective in dealing with high levels of blood fats called triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia). Research shows that taking a specific product containing eicosapentaenoic acid as ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid along with dieting and cholesterol-lowering drugs called “statins” reduces levels of triglycerides in people with high levels. It may also improve cholesterol levels.
The US National Institute of Health’s MedlinePlus lists medical conditions for which Omega 3 EPA Benefits are known or thought to be an effective treatment. Most of these involve its ability to lower inflammation.
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