Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega 3 essential fatty acid. “Essential” means that the body does not produce the fatty acids on its own and therefore they must be taken in through the diet. Most North American and Western diets are very low in Omega-3 and extremely high in Omega-6, which is why omega supplements like ALA are often beneficial.

Too many saturated fats are consumed and the ratio of ingested EFA's averages more like 20:1 Omega-6's to Omega-3's instead of the recommended 4:1. ALA is found in vegetable oils like canola, flaxseed, soybean and walnut.

How Can ALA Supplements Benefit Your Health?

ALA supplements help maintain cholesterol levels because healthy fats build HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is responsible for moving fat, from storage or plaques, into the liver where processing and excretion of fat occurs. By decreasing fatty buildup on arteries it helps to regulate blood pressure. It also provides valuable support for immune system function because many immune cells use omega 3 fats in their cell membrane. Having a properly functioning membrane allows the cells to do things like release packets of chemicals when they come in contact with foreign invaders. Since healthy fats play a large role in hormone formation, ALA can thus help optimize hormone levels and strengthen male fertility.

Shopping For A Quality Omega 3 Supplements

Ensure your ALA supplement is not processed with heat because it damages the acids and creates free radicals. Some of the damaged fats turn into trans-fatty acids, which are well known for their promotion of cardiovascular disease. Refrigerate all liquid ALA supplements and keep capsules away from heat because they can become rancid. Using liquid ALA, in the form of flaxseed oil is much more cost effective than capsules because numerous capsules must be taken to make an equivalent amount of liquid oil. Ground flaxseeds also contain some EFAs along with fiber. Golden flaxseed contains more ALA than the same amount of brown flaxseed.