What Is Epa And Dha? What Are Their Safe Natural Herbal Alternatives?

ABSTRACT

A healthy diet consists of all the nutrients the body uses for normal functions and metabolism. We all need energy to do all the tasks whether walking, running, playing or any other work. The main source of energy for the body is food that we consume daily. So, a proper and managed diet is necessary for everyone. For healthy functioning of the body, a diet should be rich in proteins, healthy fats, minerals and other nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids are examples of healthy fats that are necessary for body functioning. These Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. These are helpful in the normal functioning of the body. Fats are usually of 2 types i.e. saturated fats and unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats). Unsaturated fats are a good option for health as compared to saturated fats. EPA and DHA are known examples of Omega-3 fatty acids. EPA stands for Eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA stands for Docosahexaenoic acid. Both EPA and DHA are marine as these are found in fish. Here we are going to conduct a detailed study of EPA and DHA and their safe natural alternatives. Also, we discuss the role of the Omega Flow 369 capsule, Jivantyadi ghrita and Neurogenie capsule manufactured by Planet Ayurveda. Let’s start!

INTRODUCTION

EPA and DHA are the types of Omega-3 fatty acids that are polyunsaturated fats which consist of long chains. These are helpful in the proper functioning of the body like immune function, foetal development, cardiovascular functions and many more. Our body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids. So, we have to take it from external sources. These omega-3 fatty acids are present in fish and fish oil products. Factors that affect omega-3 fatty acids are age, genetic gender, weight and lifestyle of the person. EPA and DHA are also important in neuronal and retinal development. EPA is a type of fatty acid which contains a chain of 20 carbon. It produces Eicosanoids which help in controlling inflammation. DHA is also a polyunsaturated fatty acid which contains 22 carbon in its chain. It plays a major role in neuronal and retinal health development. It also supports foetal growth development. In the Liver, EPA can be converted into DHA. Deficiency of EPA and DHA can lead to many health issues. Now let’s start studying more about EPA and DHA deficiency issues and their causes, symptoms and natural herbal management.

CAUSES OF EPA AND DHA DEFICIENCY

As we know, EPA and DHA are not formed in our bodies naturally. So we have to take it from external sources. The causes of EPA and DHA deficiency may be as follows.

• Diet : Insufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids in food causes its deficiency in the body.
• Health Issues : Some health issues related to digestive problems can also affect omega-3 fatty acid absorption.
• Conversion Problem : Some people may have issues in converting plant-based omega-3 fatty acids into EPA and DHA.

SYMPTOMS OF EPA AND DHA DEFICIENCY

EPA and DHA deficiency in the body can lead to several diseases if it persists for a long time. Some symptoms of EPA and DHA deficiency include.

• Dry skin and flaky skin as EPA and DHA help in preventing moisture loss
• Dry eyes as these fatty acids play a major role in retinal health by maintaining eye moisture and tear production.
• Brittle nails
• Depression anxiety and mood swings as omega-3 fatty acids are neuroprotective.
• Inflammation, joint pain and stiffness as these fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and increase grip strength.
• Fatigue because omega-3 fatty acids are good sources of energy.
• Alzheimer’s disease as EPA and DHA promote neuronal functions.
• Hair loss, thinning and dryness because fatty acids help retain moisture in the skin.

DIAGNOSIS OF EPA AND DHA DEFICIENCY

However, EPA and DHA deficiency can not be detected in the early stages. Its Deficiency can lead to several other health issues. For measuring the amount of EPA and DHA.

• EFA profile test (essential fatty acids) : It helps in measuring the balance between omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 index (measure the percentage of EPA and DHA).

SAFE NATURAL HERBAL ALTERNATIVES FOR EPA AND DHA

Many natural sources contain omega-3 fatty acids which are useful in normal body functioning. These may come from herbal sources or maybe from marine sources. Fish and fish oil is a rich source of DHA and EPA in marine sources. Here we going to study natural herbal alternatives for EPA and DHA which are as follows.

• Chia Seeds : Chia seeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids obtained from plants. These contain ALA (Alpha-linolenic acids), which is converted into EPA and DHA in the Liver.
• Flaxseeds : These are also a rich source of ALA (Alpha-linolenic acids) that is converted into EPA and DHA.
• Walnuts : These are rich sources of EPA and DHA in the form of ALA (Alpha-linolenic acids). These are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids for those who are deficient in it.
• Hemp Seeds : Hemp seeds are rich in ALA (Alpha-linolenic acids). It is a good herbal alternative for omega-3 fatty acids.
• Seaweed And Algae : These are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids containing EPA and DHA.
• Kidney Beans : They contain 0.10 grams of ALA (Alpha-linolenic acids) per half cup of kidney beans.
• Soybean Oil : One tablespoon of soybean oil contains 0.92 g of ALA (Alpha-linolenic acids).

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR EPA AND DHA DEFICIENCY BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers a large quantity of herbal formulations for various health issues. All the herbal supplements formed by Planet Ayurveda are made up of natural herbs which are rich in efficiency and quality. There are several formulations in the form of powder, tablet, capsules, oil and juices offered by Planet Ayurveda. All the formulations are formed by several experiments and in that way, the quality of the product is very high. Here we are going to discuss Omega Flow 3-6-9 capsules, Jivantyadi Ghrit and Neurogenie capsules offered by Planet Ayurveda. These formulations are free from any chemicals, additives or colour. Now, let’s start with a brief knowledge of these products.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. OMEGA FLOW 3-6-9 CAPSULES

Omega Flow 3-6-9 capsules are herbal formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda. It is prepared with herbal ingredients like Flaxseed (Linum Usitatissimum), Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita Maxima), Grape seeds (Vitis Vinifera) and Safflower seeds (Carthamus Tinctorius). Flaxseeds (highest amount of omega-3) contain 50-60% omega-3 fatty acids in the form of ALA (Alpha-linolenic acids) which are then converted into EPA and DHA in the liver. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of ALA (Alpha-linolenic acids). Grape seed oil contains 0.1% ALA (Alpha-linolenic acids). Safflower seed oils also contain ALA (Alpha-linolenic acids) which is an omega-3 fatty acid and also contains omega-6. These capsules are the perfect source which contains omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 supplements. Omega-3-6-9 capsule is useful in high cholesterol, prevents cardiovascular risk, improves blood flow and maintains bone and joint health. It promotes good cholesterol and avoids bad cholesterol.

Dosage : 1 capsule twice a day with water, after meals.

2. JIVANTYADI GHRIT

Jivantyadi Ghrit is a classical herbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda which consists of Jivanti (Leptadenia Reticulata), Pippali (Piper Longum), Kakoli (Lilium Polyphyllum), Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus), cow’s ghrit and many more ingredients. It contains many natural herbs with cow ghrit and cow milk, which help in pacifying Pitta dosha. It also helps in nourishing the whole body. Jivantyadi Ghrit is very useful in retinal health. It strengthens optic nerves and gives nourishment impact to the eyes. Jivantyadi Ghrit is also useful in Akshi tarpan (a procedure in which medicated lukewarm ghee is made to stay stagnant in the eyes for a specific time). In short, it promotes overall eye health.

Dosage : 1 tablespoon twice a day with lukewarm water.

3. NEUROGENIE CAPSULE

The herbal formulation of Nerurogenie capsule contains Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera). These capsules are best in their functions in neuronal health. Bhrami and Ashwagandha are known for their tasks in managing stress and anxiety. These are known as Medhya rasayan ( which helps support memory and concentration). It also manages overall mental health. It balances Vata Dosha and also helps in managing conditions of insomnia and tremors. That is how it manages neuronal health caused by a deficiency of EPA and DHA.

Dosage : 1 capsule twice a day with water after meals.

CONCLUSION

EPA and DHA are important omega-3 fatty acids that are good for health. If taken in a proper amount it promotes various functions of the body that are helpful in the body’s growth and development. EPA and DHA promote retinal health, neuronal health, immune function, foetal development, cardiovascular functions and many more. As we discussed earlier, we have to take EPA and DHA from external sources like diet and other supplements. So, it is necessary to balance the diet properly. EPA and DHA are present predominantly in fish and fish oils. In herbal alternatives, it is present in flax seeds, walnuts and chia seeds mainly. Any deficiency in EPA and DHA can lead to an imbalance of various functions that further leads to the development of various disorders like brittle nails, dry skin, neuronal disorders, dry eyes and others. So, one should follow the natural methods for EPA and DHA intake rather than any artificial supplements for EPA and DHA intake.