In order to have a healthy diet you may need to add Omega 3 fats to your food plan. Adding fats? Yes adding fats but these are good fats and can reverse, prevent, or alleviate some health concerns. Omega 3 fats include DHA docoahexaenoic acid is high enough amounts will support retinal health and brain function. EPA eicosapentoic acid aids in the reduction of inflammation as in Arthritis.

Omega 3 fats are important for the production of prostaglandins a hormone like substance that is needed for such things as control of smooth muscle contraction. It also helps to lower blood pressure and body temperature as well as reducing inflammation. Other physiological functions that are regulated by prostaglandins are blood clotting, nerve transmission, kidney function and inflammatory and allergic responses. The production of other hormones is also aided by prostaglandins.

A diet rich in Omega 3 helps cell membranes to function properly. Other health issues such as cancer, heart disease, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, diabetes, and ADD/ADHD can be positively affected by consuming Omega 3 fats. Brain and retinal health is supported by Omega 3's. DHA in high amounts will benefit brain function. Alzheimer's, Macular Degeneration and memory are also improved with adequate amounts of Omega 3 fats either in your diet or in supplement form.

TerraNova Omega3 provides Essential Fatty Acids. The Omega-3's, Alpha Linolenic Acid, EPA and DHA, and the Omega-6, GLA, are necessary for the maintenance of cardiovascular, nervous system and skin health.

Omega-3 and Omega-6
Two important polyunsaturated fatty acids are linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. Linoleic acid is used to build omega-6 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid is used to build omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids cannot be synthesized in the body and must be supplied by the diet. They are called essential fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important in the normal functioning of all tissues of the body. You should make sure you include good sources of omega-3 and omega-6 each day.

Pregnant women have an increased need for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They are needed for the fetal growth, brain development, learning and behavior. Lactating women should also increase their fatty acids intake, since infants receive their essential fatty acids through the breast milk.

Many people have a deficiency of omega-3 without realizing it, since the symptoms can often be attributed to other health conditions or nutrient deficiencies. Symptoms of an omega-3 deficiency include fatigue, dry and/or itchy skin, brittle hair and nails, constipation, depression, frequent colds, poor concentration, lack of physical endurance and joint pain.

References:
_{The National Academies of Science. 2002
Lox, C. Effects of marine fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) on lipid profiles in women. Gen Pharmacol. 1990;21(3):295-8.
Lox, C. The effects of dietary marine fish oils (omega-3 fatty acids) on coagulation profiles in men. Gen Pharmacol. 1990;21(2):241-6.}