Supplements rich in omega-3s can certainly tilt the health scales, as many Australians have discovered

Australians have definitely lapped up fish oil - sales have been increasing to almost 70 percent since 2008. And fish oil does have years of scientific research that backs it as an excellent and sometimes necessary health supplement brimming with Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 are essential fatty acids in that they are required for our bodily functions but the human body cannot synthesize them - they have to be added in via diet. There are three kinds: ALA, DHA and EPA. ALA which is a precursor to DHA and EPA is often found in certain plants such as flax which is why consuming flaxseeds or flaxseed oil is one good way to get Omega-3 via a vegetarian diet. DHA and EPA are found in certain kinds of fish which is why fish oil or fish oil supplements are in great demand - vegetarians have to turn to algae or algae oil supplements for these.

So what are the benefits of omega-3s? Multifold! From lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels, thereby keeping the blood pressure down and the heart healthier, to curbing the stiffness of joints for victims of rheumatoid arthritis. A diet rich in Omega-3 might just be able to stave off the onset of depression, dementia and even Alzheimer's though the studies are still ongoing. Any and all inflammation can be reduced via omega-3 acids which is why it also helps asthma patients. ADHD - the much dreaded attention disorder that's on the rise in children today may be treated to a level by omega-3 and its also important for the visual and neurological development of infants and children.

"Swim Away", shout the krill in Finding Nemo. Swimming towards krill oil supplements may be healthier for Australians

To get Omega-3 in the diet, non-vegetarians can opt for anchovies, bluefish, herring, mackerel, salmon (wild has more omega-3s than farmed), sardines, sturgeon, lake trout and tuna. Vegetarians can get their fix from walnuts, flax and flaxseed oil, canola oil, olive oil and soybean oil. And then there are the supplements - fish oil. The latest contender is krill oil - a nutrient-dense substance extracted from a really tiny crustacean that feeds on plankton and lives in the icy cold waters around the Antarctic. Krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids - EPA and DHA. But why is it being touted as being better than fish oil? Companies floating the krill oil wonder say that this is because the omega-3s in it are "packed" differently. Krill oil has omega-3s packed as phospholipids which is easier for the body to absorb better, up to 60 per cent more. Krill oil also contains choline, another essential nutrient and antioxidant. Either way, both fish oil and krill oil are great for health. A good company that used sustainable harvesting methods is what will give the the best of omega-3.