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Nutraceutical News
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Omega 3 Fatty Acids found in Cranberry Seed OilBy Kathy NeilsenOmega 3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fats which provide important nutritional value to the human body. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are three important omega 3 fatty acids. All of these are available in certain foods and are reported to be essential to the human. Because the human body cannot produce these on its own, consumption of foods rich in omega 3 or omega 3 supplements is the only way the human body can gain these essentials. Recently, omega 3 has been produced from cranberry seeds. This source of omega 3 from cranberries is believed to be a valuable alternative to the standard fish oil omega 3 for many reasons. Cranberries are reported to have a host of health benefits resulting from years of studies, but until recently the seed of the cranberry has remained uncharted territory. An important discovery resulted in a new source of the omega 3; omega 3 from cranberries. With this new source of omega 3 from cranberries, many people who previously avoided foods rich in omega 3 now have a vegetarian alternative that in many instances is also organic; omega 3 from cranberries is a win win situation for the green health minded consumer. Some fish oil is believed to contain heavy metal contaminants including mercury, lead, nickel and arsenic. For this reason and others the FDA has recommended people consume no more than 3 mg per day of omega 3 from fish. Because of these concerns many are turning to other sources of these essential fatty acids for the reported health benefits. Omega 3 from cranberries does not contain any of these potential contaminants or pose the same risks. Omega 3 from cranberries is one great alternative. Often, people dislike the fishy smell and after taste associated with fish oil. Omega 3 from cranberries is mild in flavor and is a breath of fresh air for those who wish to avoid products produced from animals. For anyone wanting a source of omega 3 that provides all the nutritional value with out the risks of contaminants or the unpleasant smell and after taste will see the benefits of omega 3 from cranberries. Because cranberry seeds are cold pressed, omega 3 from cranberries has no significant after taste often associated with other common forms of omega 3. This offers the producers of omega 3 from cranberries a unique opportunity. Many of these companies are now considering omega 3 from cranberries to fortify foods with this essential fatty acid oil making the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids easier than ever. Foods containing omega 3, omega 3 from cranberries and other fatty acids are referred to as super foods due of the reported health benefits. Because many people do not eat enough of these super foods, their intake of omega 3 is not significant enough to obtain the benefits. Omega 3 from cranberries is available as a soft gel supplement and now many food sources are available fortified with omega 3 from cranberries. These products include dried cranberries, as well as other dried fruits and fruit juices. Other products are still in development stage, while even more are being considered. As the word gets out on omega 3 from cranberries and people see the claimed health benefits associated with cranberry seed oil the demand is sure to rise and with it many other foods and snacks may soon be fortified with omega 3 from cranberries. Omega 3 from cranberries is the perfect alternative to other undesirable sources of omega 3.
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