Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), found primarily in cold-water fish and flax, that are "essential" to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. Omega-3s (especially EPA and DHA) play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Extensive research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent a host of chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure/cholesterol, stroke, depression, osteoporosis, asthma, and Inflammatory Bowl Disease (IBD).
Last updated 6/15/2005.