DHA, Docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found very richly in fish oils. Most the DHA in fish originates from algae that they feed on, and increases up the food chain. DHA may also be commercially manufactured from microalgae to produce a vegetarian meal. Although a few animals make the substance and even humans synthesize it through some their meals, the levels of it produced in this manner as little enough for them to require external sources than through the consumption of α-linolenic acid, another omega-3 fatty acid found in plants, animals, and milk.
So what’s the deal about DHA? It forms docosanoids through metabolism, which has several potent hormones. Also, DHA is a major fatty acid in sperm and brain phospholipids; plus, it has been shown to have huge potential in the reduction of heart disease through reducing blood triglyceride levels in humans.
You didn’t know? low levels of DHA have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease, certain cancers, and even faulty pregnancies. One large NIH (US National Institutes of Health) intervention trial showed some effectiveness of DHA for preventing certain plaques. It has also been found to inhibit growth of human colon carcinoma cells more than other omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, while also increasing the efficacy of chemotherapy in prostate cancer cells. Because DHA helps regulate cell growth in humans and other organisms, aside from it disease prevention properties, it already is effective in slowing the rate at which wrinkles and creases form on the faces and skins of people who consume in substantially in their diet. As a result, you might want to consider including this in your everyday diet.
Fish oil, as stated, is rich in this substance and is widely sold in gelatin capsules containing a mixture of omega-3 fatty acids and smaller quantities of DHA. Researchers have found that fish oil high in DHA and low in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, another polyunsaturated essential fatty acid found in cold-water fish that has been linked to the reduction of cardiovascular disease and certain other health benefits) lowered inflammatory cytokines associated with neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases.
It does not cost you much to adopt this new lifestyle – because that’s what it is. All you need do is add to your daily diet the purest form of fish oil and stick with it for a couple of years. You might not notice it at first, but by and by you will find that others around you look older and surprised! You don’t. Being healthier, stronger, and generally living longer are natural by products.