Fatty Acid Metrics
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Omega-3 Index
Omega-3 fatty acids are the building blocks of the brain, determining the brain's integrity and ability to perform. They are to your brain cells what calcium is to your bones. EPA/DHA are obtained through eating oily fish or taking a high quality fish oil supplement.
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Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio (AA to EPA)
Omega-6s (specifically one called "AA") tend to increase pain, inflammation and clotting, whereas Omega-3s such as EPA tend to decrease inflammation and increase blood flow. Both are considered as "essential nutrients"--that is, we must get them from our diet for survival--we cannot manufacture them on our own.
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Palmitic Acid
Excessive palmitic acid (usually from a diet high in simple carbohydrates) is generated from excess carbohydrates that we do not burn. Maintaining optimal palmitic acid levels helps normalize leptin and insulin signaling, which helps regulate your metabolism, increases your energy, and improves neurotransmitter communication.
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