DHA: The Health Benefits of this Essential Fatty Acid
Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA as it’s commonly known, is an essential fatty acid, or healthy fat that is necessary for healthy functioning of the human body. This omega-3 fatty acid is a primary structural component of the human brain, skin, sperm, testicles and retina. DHA, along with other essential fatty acids, are critical fats critical for both neuron structure and biochemistry.
DHA promotes the following:
- Cardiovascular health by supporting healthy triglyceride and lipid metabolism
- Healthy blood flow
- Healthy platelet function
- Vision
- Joint health
- Cognitive function
- Oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain
- Emotional well-being
- Positive mood
According to Naturopathic Doctor, Cathy Wong, the essential fatty acid DHA has also been described as natural remedy for a large range of health concerns, including:
- allergies
- asthma
- attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
- dementia
- depression
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- psoriasis
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- rheumatoid arthritis
- type 2 diabetes
- ulcerative colitis
- cancer prevention
- age-related macular degeneration
- Alzheimer’s Disease
The human body cannot produce DHA; therefore, it is an important nutrient that must be ingested in the diet or via supplementation.
Food Sources
The best food source of DHA is seafood and algae. However, do your research to ensure you are purchasing and eating healthy, uncontaminated seafood.
Supplementation
Premier Plant-sourced DHA is derived from non-GMO micro-algae, not fish, making it suitable for everyone including vegetarians and vegans.
Pure Encapsulations EPA-DHA ESSENTIALS is an ultra-pure, molecularly distilled fish oil concentrate made from anchovies and sardines. These fish are high in healthy fats and are known to have the lowest level of oceanic contaminants. Pure Encapsulations EPA-DHA has been tested to be free from environmental toxins (heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins and furans), microbial contaminants, and oxidation and rancidity. Special Bonus: Our veterinarian told us to give this product to our dog and it has improved his joint health and mood; he is happier!
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