Role of Omega-3s in metabolic processes
In addition to their value for cell membranes, omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in regulating the body's metabolic processes. Eicosanoids are hormone-like compounds that act like thermostats throughout the body, either raising or lowering a wide range of bodily activities.
Eicosanoids have only been discovered recently because their action is localized rather than originating from a specific gland, such as the pancreas or adrenals. Eicosanoids are composed entirely of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
Eicosanoids typically come in pairs: one to increase and the other to decrease whatever bodily function the pair is regulating. When omega-3s are lacking in the diet, the body produces less of one of the pairs, with the result that these internal thermostats don't work correctly. The body spirals uncontrollably in a single direction.
Many of today's chronic diseases are related to the impact of an imbalance in the omega-6 and omega-3-based eicosanoids. Having higher levels of omega-6s tends to increase the risk of many inflammatory and auto-immune diseases?such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, osteoporosis, gum disease, asthma, and Alzheimer's disease?or make these problems harder to treat.