The human body generally uses ALA for energy, and conversion into EPA and DHA is very limited.

• The human body generally uses ALA for energy, and conversion into EPA and DHA is very limited.

Info source: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/omega-3-fats/

Parkinson's disease prevention

http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/parkinsons-disease-prevention (Share from CM Browser)

Prevention 
There is no known way to prevent Parkinson's disease.  Research has shown that people who eat more fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, fish, and omega-3 rich oils (sometimes known as theMediterranean diet) and who eat less red meat and dairy may have some protection against Parkinson's. But the reason for this is still being studied.² 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Mood Disorders (by Sari Harrar. Today’s Dietitian Vol. 14 No. 1 P. 22. January 2012 Issue)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Mood Disorders 

http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/011012p22.shtml

Omega 3’s are a group of unsaturated fatty acids, and include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Omega 3’s are a group of unsaturated fatty acids, and include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). 

DHA fatty acid is the primary oil in fish, which has been shown to have some health benefits, including the reducing of heart disease by lowering blood triglyceride levels.

DHA is also the primary fatty acid in the human brain, and the deficiency has been linked to cognitive decline and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.

ALA is the shortest chain fatty acid, and predominant in plant-based sources of omega-3’s.  

EPA and DHA have the most research for health benefits, and are mostly available in seafood.  The body can convert some of the ALA consumed from foods into EPA and DHA in the body, but in a much smaller amount than eating foods rich in DHA.

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http://m.lifesdha.com/health-benefits-of-dha.aspx

Docosahexaenoic acid,

(DHA) is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid found throughout the body. It is a major structural fat in the brain and retina accounting for up to 97% of the omega-3 fats in the brain and up to 93% of the omega-3 fats in the retina. It is also a key component of the heart. Numerous studies confirm that everyone, from infants to adults, benefits from an adequate supply of DHA.

Are there any proven Alzheimer's prevention strategies? (By Mayo Clinic)

Are there any proven Alzheimer's prevention strategies?

Although more research is needed to definitively prove which Alzheimer's prevention strategies are effective, some possible strategies that promote good overall health include:

1. Avoiding smoking
2. Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and lean protein, particularly protein sources containing omega-3 fatty acids
3. Being physically and socially active
4. Taking care of your mental health
5. Using thinking (cognitive) skills, such as memory skills

Info source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/alzheimers-prevention/FAQ-20058140

Why fish stomps flax as a source of omega-3 (Why fish is better than flaxseed as a source of omega-3) --- by Chris Kresser

Why fish stomps flax as a source of omega-3 (Why fish is better than flaxseed as a source of omega-3) --- by Chris Kresser

http://chriskresser.com/why-fish-stomps-flax-as-a-source-of-omega-3

http://chriskresser.com/

Chris Kresser is a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of integrative medicine.

Get at least one rich source of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet every day

For good health, you should aim to get at least one rich source of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet every day. This could be through a serving of fatty fish (such as salmon), a tablespoon of canola or soybean oil in salad dressing or in cooking, or a handful of walnuts or ground flaxseed mixed into your morning oatmeal.

Info source: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/omega-3/

How efficiently does the body convert ALA to DHA and EPA?

Info source: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/omega-3/

Question: I am a vegetarian, so I do not consume any fish. But I get plenty of ALA in my diet, from canola and soybean oil, ground flax seed, and walnuts. How efficiently does the body convert ALA to DHA and EPA? Should I take an algal DHA supplement?

Answer (by Dr. Frank Sacks): If you are getting adequate ALA in your diet from oils and nuts, I am not sure you really need to take an algal DHA supplement. As I mentioned above, the body partially converts ALA to EPA and DHA; it is not known if ALA has substantial health benefits as is, or whether it must be converted to EPA and DHA to produce most of the benefits. My current interpretation of the science is that ALA is important to nutrition because it is an essential fatty acid, and that at least part of its benefits come from its conversion to EPA and DHA. I don’t advocate that vegans take n-3 supplements if they are getting ALA from vegetable oils, vegetables, walnuts, and other vegetarian sources as described above.

Omega 3 fatty acids: DHA, EPA and ALA

Info source: http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet

There are many health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows strong evidence that the omega-3s EPA and DHA can help lower triglycerides and blood pressure. And there are studies showing that omega-3 fatty acids may help with other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and many more.

Just what are omega-3 fatty acids exactly? How much do you need? And what do all those abbreviations -- EPA, DHA, and ALA -- really mean? Here's a rundown on omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Basics

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. We need them for our bodies to work normally. Because essential fatty acids (ALA, DHA, EPA) are not made in the body or are inefficiently converted from ALA to EPA and DHA, we need to get them from our diet .

Omega-3s have a number of health benefits. Omega-3s are thought to play an important role in reducing inflammation throughout the body -- in the blood vessels, the joints, and elsewhere. However, omega-3 supplements (EPA/DHA) may cause the blood to thin and cause excess bleeding, particularly in people taking anticoagulant drugs.

There are several types of omega-3 fatty acids. Two crucial ones -- EPA and DHA -- are primarily found in certain fish. Plants like flax contain ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is partially converted into DHA and EPA in the body. Algae oil often provides only DHA.

Most experts say that DHA and EPA -- from fish and fish oil -- have better established health benefits than ALA. DHA and EPA are found together only in fatty fish and algae. DHA can also be found on its own in algae, while flaxseed and plant sources of omega-3s provide ALA -- a precursor to EPA and DHA, and a source of energy.

Blood fat [triglycerides]. According to a number of studies, fish oil supplements can lower elevated triglyceride levels. Having high levels of this blood fat is a risk factor for heart disease. DHA alone has also been shown to lower triglycerides.

Rheumatoid arthritis. A number of studies have found that fish oil supplements [EPA+DHA] significantly reduced stiffness and joint pain. Omega-3 supplements also seem to boost the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Depression. Some researchers have found that cultures that eat foods with high levels of omega-3s have lower levels of depression. Fish oil also seems to boost the effects of antidepressants. Fish oil may help reduce the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Prenatal health. DHA appears to be important for visual and neurological development in infants. However, studies are inconclusive as to whether supplementing omega-3 during pregnancy or breastfeeding benefits the baby.

Asthma. Evidence suggests that a diet high in omega 3s reduces inflammation, a key component in asthma. However, more studies are needed to show if fish oil supplements improve lung function or reduce the amount of medication a person needs to control their disease.

ADHD. Some studies show that fish oil can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in some children and improve their cognitive function. However, more research is needed in this area, and omega-3 supplements as a primary treatment for this disorder are not supported by research.

Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The evidence is preliminary, but some research suggests that omega-3s may help protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Recent studies have also evaluated whether the omega-3 supplement DHA can slow the decline seen in those with Alzheimer's dementia or in age-associated memory impairment. One recent study showed that DHA can be a beneficial supplement and may have a positive effect on gradual memory loss associated with aging. However, more research needs to be done.

Past evidence pointed to omega-3 fatty acids reducing risk of heart attacks, strokes and death from heart disease, but recent research has refuted these findings. More specific research is needed to sort this out.

You may have heard about the importance of having a healthy balance of omega-3s with another fatty acid, omega-6s. Omega-6s are found in many oils, meats, and processed foods. Some experts believe that most people in the U.S. are eating far too many omega-6s and far too few omega-3 fatty acids. They argue that this imbalance may be causing many chronic diseases. However, other experts disagree. They don't believe the ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s is actually significant. They also argue that the health benefits of omega-6s are being ignored. For now, the full implications aren't clear. But the bottom line is simple. Whether the ratio turns out to matter or not, increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids is still a good idea.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Food Sources

When possible, try to get omega-3 fatty acids from foods such as fish rather than supplements. Fish high in DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids include:

anchovies

bluefish

herring

mackerel

salmon (wild has more omega-3s than farmed)

sardines

sturgeon

lake trout

tuna

Many experts recommend eating these fish two to three times a week.

Good food sources of ALA -- which is converted into omega-3 fatty acids in the body -- include:

walnuts

flax and flaxseed oil

canola oil

olive oil

soybean oil

While foods containing omega-3 fatty acids have health benefits, some -- like oils and nuts -- can be high in calories. So eat them in moderation.