An polyunsaturated fatty acid that is produced naturally by some animals and plants. It is thought to play a beneficial role in human health.
a polyunsaturated fatty acid whose carbon chain has its first double valence bond three carbons from the beginning
Refers to the third carbon in the fatty acid molecule which is unsaturated, counting from the carbon terminal end. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, marine plants, and some terrestrial plants.
Omega-3 fatty acids are classed as essential fatty acids (EFAs). An essential fatty acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid needed by the body, that is synthesized by plants but not by the human body and is therefore a dietary requirement (from WebMD). Omega-3 fatty acids are a class of fatty acids found in fish oils, especially in salmon and other cold-water fish, that lowers the levels of cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoproteins) in the blood ( LDL cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol) (from Medterms).
(w-3 or n-3) – convention used to number the carbon atoms in a fatty acid chain. Counting is done from the terminal methyl (i.e. the other end from the carboxylic acid end) end of the chain. Thus omega- 3 pufas have the first double bond located between carbon atom 3 and 4. The remaining double bonds follow sequentially, with a saturated carbon atom (CH) between them. Thus the next bond lies between carbons 6 and 7 etc.
Fatty acids whose first double bond is 3 carbon atoms from the methyl end of the fatty-acid chain. Fish oils and alpha-linolenic acid are -3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 are essential fatty acids. They are important to your health but are not manufactured by your body. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish and certain plant oils. Omega-3 and omega-6 play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive and behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems.
Fatty acids whose first double bond is three carbons away from the end.
Also called Omega-3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids. Improve heart health, reduce hypertension, improve depression and symptoms of other mental health problems. Found in fish and in vegetable sources such as flax seeds, walnuts, canola oil, and dark green leafy vegetables.