For starters, the human body is made up of an estimated 100 trillion individual cells. Omega 3 fats are part of the cell membrane of every single one of them. Providing an adequate supply of Omega- 3 to the body is critical to promoting and maintaining optimal health. Omega 3

Now lets understand that good fat is actually good. The 1980's are over. We should all be aware now that not all fat is bad. There are in fact good fats and bad fats. Omega 3's are part of a class of fats known as Essential Fatty Acids or "EFA's." These are good fats, we need them. Essential fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated fats, are called essential because they cannot be manufactured by the body. They must be obtained from the food we eat. Other common EFA's are Omega 6 and Omega 9. Less common are Omega 7 (sea buckthorn) and there's also Omega 5.

In an average diet most people get adequate amounts of the important EFA's Omega 6 and 9. Often, as much as is needed by the body or more. However, our dietary intake of the critical EFA Omega-3 is far below the amount needed by the body for optimal health.

According to current conceptions of human nutrition, most nutritional scientists claim that our bodies should maintain roughly a 2-1 ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6. That there should be about two Omega 3's to every one Omega 6 in the body. According to others we should have at least a one to one ratio.

In actuality though many people have roughly a 15-1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3, and some as much as 20-1. In most cases it is not the result of excessive Omega 6 intake causing this upside-down ratio but an extremely inadequate Omega 3 intake. That is to say that our Omega 6 intake is not typically high. For most people it is around where it's supposed to be. Our Omega 3 intake however is staggeringly low. Our extremely insufficient Omega 3 intake keeps the ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 completely the opposite of what our bodies need to function optimally.

Some examples: To maintain good health an ideal supply of Omega 3 EFA's in the body is not only helpful, it is principle in preventing and aiding a large number of common health concerns. A basic internet search on the benefits of Omega 3 yields numbers of studies published in major medical and nutritional periodicals such as The New England Journal of Medicine, Psychiatry Res., The Journal of Affective- Disorders, The American Journal of Clinical- Nutrition... Pointing out the benefits Omega 3 has on modern health conditions, many of the studies demonstrate pronounced improvement for some common problems.

-Omega 3 fats are a natural and powerful anti-inflammatory. As a result, highly concentrated Omega 3 is recommended by Doctors for Rheumatoid Arthritis (an auto-immune disorder in which the body attacks itself and presents inflammation or swelling, and pain).

-Doctors and nutritionists have documented positive results from high concentration Omega 3 used to aid focus and concentration in patients with ADD.

-Omega 3 fats have been extremely effective in naturally lowering blood pressure, triglycerides, and bad cholesterol, as well as for improving overall heart health. Large population studies suggest that omega-3 in the diet, primarily from fish, helps protect against stroke caused by plaque buildup and blood clots in the arteries that lead to the brain.

-Studies have linked Omega 3's to relief for intestinal disorders such as IBS, Crohn's and Ceoliacs diseases.

-Omega 3's have been shown to promote healthy brain function, to help provide mental clarity, to help with skin conditions and more.

Tracking the research and benefits. The nutrition industry web-tool Healthnotes applies 'star' ratings to indicate an amount of scientific evidence to demonstrate a natural products ability to help a specific health issue, or to provide needed support for healthy living. 1-3 stars are given based on the results of study's published in a reputable health journal or magazine.