Hi, I am wondering if anyone can shed some light on Omega 3's for me. I have read The Zone and what is discussed about the importance of consuming it. Maybe I'm just extra tired right now, but I don't get it. I don't understand the importance of taking it, how much to take, etc. Can anyone help explain this to me or point me to some online articles that help explain it better? Thank you!

In his book :The Omega-RX Zone", Dr. Sears goes into great lengths explaining it. Basically one thing is that Omega-3's help with silent inflammation. Our diets consist of several Omega's - notably 6's and 3's. At one time, the natural foods man ate had the correct balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6. Today, our foods are reversed, and we get too many Omega 6's. We also end up with an abundance of Arachidonic Acid (AA) - which contributes to silent inflammation. Omega-3s help with that by reducing it. There has also been a lot of research, long after Dr. Sears pioneered the research, into many other benefits of Omega-3's. One possible benefit is the possible prevention or reduction of Alzheimer's. Another is the reduction and maintenance of Cholesterol levels.
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That one I can attest to personally. My Total Cholesterol dropped from 284 to 204 in three months taking Omega-3's. I took 6 capsules. That was 6 years ago. My wife and I both now take 4 capsules each, daily as a maintenance.
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There are many other benefits of Omega-3's, of which I am sure others will add to this thread.
Dr. Sears newest book, Toxic fat - is also a good read.  And he put all of the detailed science and biology in the Appendices.

I would just add that if you read the OmegaRx Zone, you will have a better understanding of the importance.  Not just for cardiovascular, it is great for brain health, inflammatory conditions, etc. 

I am reading more and more every day on how important it is, more docs are finally recognizing its importance. 

Hi Jen,

Basically, Omega Rx dilutes AA (Arachidonic Acid), the "bad" fat that promotes inflammation.  Everyone needs a little AA in their system to maintain immunity, but just a little too much sets you on a path to all kinds of problems, both immediate and in the future, everything from excess stored fat to arthritis and other serious inflammatory based conditions and diseases. 

An excellent resource for learning more about fish oil is Appendix E, "Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Fish Oil...", in Toxic Fat, Barry Sears' most recent book.  Here's another place to find out more: http://www.zonediet.com/Shop/Omega-...rates.aspx

____________________________________________

sue
Consultant of Zone Labs
Certified Zone Affiliate

Lost 100 lbs 15 yrs ago, off BP meds, thanks to the Zone diet and Zone fish oil.   ZoneFast 1-2-3 is the best!

View my Zone Fast 1-2-3 meal photos here:
http://s531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/SueK24/My%20ZoneFast%201-2-3%20Meals/

View my classic Zone meal photos here:
http://s531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/SueK24/?start=0

Thank you for the input everyone! Just what you wrote has helped me understand it more. I will look further into it to understand it even more.

You're welcome Jen. 

FYI,  Usually, if I am creating a long post and have references to add to it, usually works out better to create the post in a word document, then I can add all of the documentation and references, and proof it prior to submitting.  Saves a lot of editing and deleting!