Omega-3 Fatty Acids

AFA contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid known as docosahexanoic acid (DHA). Nearly 50 percent of the fat (oil) content of AFA is composed of these omega-3 essential fatty acids. In general, most diets worldwide are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and excessive in omega-6 fatty acids and rancid trans-fatty acids. An excess of omega-6 fatty acids and trans-fats leads to an inflammatory response in the body, which eventually develops into a contributing factor in cardiovascular disease, immunity challenges, neurological problems, and skin disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids such as ALA and DHA support immunity by helping to attract immune cells to the sites of injury, chronic pain, and cellular damage while calming the inflammatory response. Humans manufacture only small amounts of DHA internally through the consumption of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in hempseed, chia, flax, as well as other seeds. This amount of DHA is usually not enough to meet the demands of our nervous system, especially in a high-stress environment.

Traditionally, DHA was acquired directly from eating seafood and fish. With the onset of more seafood allergies and the problems of mercury and PCBs polluting fish, safer forms of DHA have been discovered in other foods. AFA is one of those foods. DHA is a critical essential fatty acid used in the production and maintenance of healthy eyesight (retina), brain and nervous system tissue, cardiovascular “slipperiness,” and sperm. Long- chain omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA make our cardiovascular system too slippery for calcium- forming nanobacteria (microscopic barnacles) to attach and begin to calcify the arteries causing arteriosclerosis.

 A deficiency of DHA has been correlated to ADD symptoms, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular disease, depression, low brain serotonin levels, neuroses, postpartum depression, and skin disorders. The therapeutic consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to improve one’s mood and cardiovascular conditions. The consumption of omega-3 also inhibits the formation of breast, colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.