DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) can do a lot of things that EPA cannot do.
DHA is responsible for healthy neuro-tissue, a healthy brain, healthy eyes, and healthy mood. In fact the brain, one of the fattest organs in the human body is 20% DHA!
DHA also makes it more challenging for cancer cells to continue to survive and more difficult for inflammatory cytokines to initiate the signaling response to turn on inflammatory genes. In addition DHA bonds to and increases the size of LDL (the bad cholesterol) particles which reduces the entry of the larger LDL into the muscle cells that line the artery, reducing the risk of developing atherosclerotic lesions.
Both DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are equally beneficial in reducing triglycerides. They do not, however, directly reduce cholesterol.
EPA and DHA do different things, so you need them both, especially for the brain. If your primary goal is reducing inflammation, then you need more EPA. If you are more focused on brain health, cardiovascular health, or eye health, then you need more DHA.
In my opinion, it is best to take both in ratio based on what your primary goal may be.
Probably my favorite DHA/EPA supplement would be Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega with EPA 650mg and DHA 450mg. If you are looking for a supplement higher in DHA, I would recommend Nordic Naturals Pro DHA 1000 which has DHA 900 mg, and EPA 180mg.
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