DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found naturally in cold-water fish. It is also available as a DHA supplement in fish oil along with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid.) Pure DHA can also be obtained from plant sources like flaxseed and seaweed.
DHA is important for good health. Our bodies do not produce enough DHA so we must consume it from food sources or take a DHA supplement. Most people do not eat diets that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially in the United States. That’s why taking DHA supplements can be so beneficial to your health.
Taking a DHA supplement every day can give you a healthier heart. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower triglycerides, lower blood pressure, reduce plaque in the arteries, and reduce risk for stokes and blood clots.
A daily DHA supplement may be especially beneficial for pregnant women and their babies. DHA promotes proper development of the nervous system and retina. Babies should not need supplemental DHA if they are breast-fed and the mother eats a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Pregnant women should not take DHA in the form of fish oil until discussing it with a doctor. Fish oil also contains EPA, which may be harmful to babies.
DHA is also thought to help reduce inflammation which makes taking a DHA supplement a good idea for people with arthritis and other inflammatory diseases like psoriasis. For the best effect, DHA should be taken consistently to prevent inflammation and not just taken as a treatment during a flare up.
DHA is important for healthy brain functioning. Patients have been given a DHA supplement for clinical trials investigating the effects of DHA on Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, and depression.
Taking a DHA supplement may even enhance your appearance. DHA is said to make the skin, hair, and nails healthier. This can give your complexion a rosy glow and make your hair shine.
DHA alone or in fish oil does not have many side effects. It may cause diarrhea especially in higher doses. DHA does have the potential to have a blood thinning effect though. For this reason, if you take blood thinners or aspirin, you should talk to your doctor before adding a DHA supplement to your diet.
When taking your DHA supplement, don’t forget that fish oils pills contain both DHA and EPA. For example if you take 1000 mg of fish oil, it does not mean you have taken 1000 mg of DHA. You must read the label to check the amount of DHA per serving. For that reason, it may be simpler to take a DHA supplement by itself.
For your optimum health, consider taking a daily DHA supplement. Don’t worry about mercury contamination; just be sure to buy your DHA supplement from a trusted source that tests for purity. You can take DHA in a liquid capsule form which is the most effective method, providing the capsules are enteric coated.
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