Fish Oil & Omegas

What Are Omega-3’s?

Omega-3’s are nutrients found in foods or supplements that help to build, support, and maintain a healthy body. Fatty acids provide the structure to every living cell, are a source of energy and are necessary for optimal eye health, brain function and beyond.

The three main omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). EPA and DHA are the omega 3’s found in fish oil, while ALA is most prevalent in plant sources. ALA is an essential fatty acid, meaning our bodies cannot produce it on their own, so it must be consumed from dietary sources. And while our bodies can convert some ALA into EPA and DHA, it’s only in small amounts, and not enough to provide all their health benefits– all the more reason to add omega 3 fish oil to your routine!

Omega-3’s can be found in certain types of fish, fish oils, and krill oils. They are also present in plant-based foods which are called plant based omega 3 supplements such as seaweed and algae, canola oil, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts – food for thought for all you vegetarians out there!

Fun fact – fish don’t naturally produce EPA and DHA. They also need to obtain their omega-3’s by consuming sources of EPA and DHA through algae (microalgae in particular) and plankton!

What Are The Benefits of Fish Oil and Omega-3’s?

While there are many, let’s breakdown a few benefits of omega 3 fish oil.

• Heart – the consumption of fish, fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids have been tied to numerous cardiovascular health benefits including improvements to cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels1-4.

• Eyes – DHA is important for vision and the healthy development of eyes for the growing fetus and newborn babies which is why omega 3 for kids is a great idea.

• Brain – More than half of our brains consist of fats, primarily DHA, which is required to support brain health and the development of a healthy nervous system.

• Skin – Fatty acids provide structure to skin cells. Adequate amounts of EPA & DHA from fish oil support healthy skin.

• Joints – EPA and DHA influence the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response, impacting joint performance and stiffness.

• Mood – EPA is clinically shown to support a healthy, balanced mood.

What Are Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements?

The USDA recommends consuming 8 oz of fatty fish each week, but only 20% of Americans are meeting this recommendation – are you? If you aren’t a fan of fish or it’s not something that fits into your regular meal plan, an omega 3 supplement with EPA and DHA can offer a great alternative. Omega 3 fish oil supplements are the oils extracted from the fatty tissue of fish. These oils typically come from fatty fish such as salmon, anchovies, mackerel and herring. At GNC, you’ll find omega 3 fish oil in several supplement formats, including easy-to-swallow capsules, liquids, and gummies. So, no matter your preference, GNC has a fish oil omega-3 that works best for you!