We’ve all heard of Omega-3 fatty acids, they’ve been used as a marketing buzz term for years, but do you really know what they are? Sit tight my friends, I’m going to explain it all to you. But first, a short, simplified chemistry lesson.
Omega-3 is a term used based on the structure of the molecule that makes up the oil of animal or vegetable origins. Oils are made up of chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached.
They look something like this:
This is a saturated fatty acid. This is what the molecules of cocoa butter (a solid “oil”) look they, carbon molecules completely “saturated” with hydrogen molecules.
When an oil is a liquid oil the carbon chain is not completely saturated with hydrogen.
They look something like this:
This is an unsaturated fatty acid. Two hydrogen molecules are missing and replaced with a double bond so the chain doesn't collapse. This is what an olive oil molecule would look like, it is monounsaturated meaning it has one (mono) double bond.
Two or more double bonds on the chain create polyunsaturated fats.
What Omega-3 actually means is the first double bond occurs at the third carbon from the end (as above).
Omega-6 fatty acids are when the first double bond occurs at the sixth carbon, Omega-9 on the ninth carbon.
Natural sources of Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil, chia seed oil, flax seed oil, walnut oil and soybean oil. In certain cases, chickens are fed a diet high in Omega-3 and their eggs will be fortified with it.
Omega-3’s are found in every cell membrane in the body.
Research suggests that Omega 3 fatty acids protect skin cells from sun-induced inflammation, help support the skin’s structure, help boost barrier function, and increase skin hydration.
So, go slather some Omega-3’s on your skin or eat a handful of walnuts, no matter how you get them, your skin will love you for it.
Comments