What is DHA
Are you looking out for answers to basic questions like - What is DHA? What is DHA used for? And from where can I get DHA? Well, this is the right place. In this article we will find answers to above questions and many more like them. If you are interested to know more, take a look at What is DHA.
What is DHA?
DHA is an acronym for docosahexaenoic acid. It is a long chain, highly unsaturated essential omega 3 fatty acid. Other omega 3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Studies have shown that majority of benefits of omega3 are derived from DHA and EPA. Out of these, DHA is more valuable because our body can convert DHA to EPA, if needed.
Sources of DHA
Fishes and fish oil supplements are the rich sources of DHA. Increased toxins in ocean water results in contaminated fishes, thus intake of fish to increase DHA levels in our body is not recommended. Instead, you should take purest fish oil, this will not only give you desired healthy results but will also be free from any contamination like lead, mercury, etc. An effective supplement must have undergone molecular distillation process; this ensures that the end product is concentrated and toxins free.
Studies have proved that a supplement made after mixing hoki and tuna fish oil, increases the health benefits by two and half times.
What is DHA used for?
DHA helps in increasing brain memory and performance. It is used for treating Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Recent studies prove that if omega-3 fatty acids in the form of DHA are not taken by pregnant women, risk of developing vision, bad hand/eye coordination and sleep disorders in the baby is increased. It is used as an ingredient in infant formula to enhance infant's brain as well as nervous system development.
Regular intake of DHA decreases the probability of heart attacks and strokes. Heart attack occurs when blood supply to heart cells is blocked; this could be because of clogged artery. Research shows that fish oil fatty acids break up clots, thus gives us protection from heart attack and stroke.
DHA also helps in reduction of breast, colon and prostate cancer. Cancer is a disease in which growth of body cells increases and goes beyond the normal limits. Studies have shown that DHA inhibits the conversion of normal healthy cells to cancerous ones, thus reducing the unwanted cellular growth. It also helps in reducing the cancer cells.
Most common cause of recurrent miscarriages is the blood clot. Blood-thinning properties of DHA help in reducing the risk of recurrent miscarriages in women. It also helps in reducing the risk of postpartum depression, decreases the chances of pre-term labor, low birth weights and cesarean.
This list does not end here, DHA has many more benefits. A book can be written on what is DHA used for; to know more about the benefits of DHA, visit my website where in I have described in detail about the omega 3 fish oil supplements. For more info, visit What is DHA.