Importance of Omega 3’s in Your Diet

Importance of Omega 3’s in Your Diet

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that the body cannot make. Omega-3 fats are very important for our body and assist in making the hormones that regulate blood clotting. Omega-3’s have been shown to prevent heart disease, strokes, arthritis, and make even play a role in preventing cancers.  Omega-6’s are another type of fatty acid, that come a lot easier to most American diets since they are found in vegetable oils, meat, poultry, and eggs.

 

There are three types of Omega-3’s. The most common Omega-3 fatty acid, known as ALA, is found in vegetable oils and nuts, flaxseeds, grass-fed animals, and leafy vegetables.  The second and third type, known as EPA and DHA, come mainly from fish or fish oil.

 

Omega-3 fatty acids help lower elevated triglyceride levels, which reduces the risk for heart disease. Fish oil supplements, or the DHA and EPA you can get directly from fish, can assist in decreasing joint pain or rheumatoid arthritis. Some research has shown that cultures who eat foods with high levels of omega-3’s have lower levels of depression.  The most common knowledge of omega-3’s, or DHA, is known to be used with prenatal vitamins, as it is extremely important for visual and neurological development in infants and growing fetuses. A

 

 If you don’t already eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, look into supplements at your local health and wellness store.  Many chiropractors and essential oil companies sell various products that contain omega-3’s too. If you choose to supplement, look for fish oil, or algae oil if you don’t eat fish.   You can buy omega-3 supplements, but it’s important to try and get these fatty acids directly from the food source. The recommended daily does is 250-500mg each day.

 

 

References

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/omega-3-fats/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/

https://draxe.com/omega-3-benefits-plus-top-10-omega-3-foods-list/