What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Posted by Daniella Cippitelli on
Chances are, if you have walked down the vitamin isle of any grocery or drug store you have seen shelves stocked with Omega-3 supplements. And you have surely heard about Salmon being rich in Omega’s, but what exactly is Omega-3? Let’s take a look.
Simply put, Omega-3s are nutrients your body gets from food or in supplement form. These nutrients help build and maintain a healthy mind and body. They’re also a source of energy that help keep your lungs, heart, and blood vessels working properly.
Key Health Benefits of Omega-3s
• Omega-3s Can Help Improve Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Omega-3s are attributed to numerous benefits for heart health including lowering triglycerides, helping reduce blood pressure, raising HDL cholesterol levels, helping prevent blood clots, and helping to reduce inflammation in the body.
• Omega-3s Can Improve Eye Health
A type of Omega-3 called DHA is in a major structural component of the eye’s retina. Vision problems can arise without enough DHA in the diet. It may help prevent macular degeneration.
• Omega-3s Can Help Fight Anxiety and Depression
Studies have shown that people who consume Omega-3s regularly are less likely to experience depression.
Where Do You Get Omega-3s in the Diet?
It’s best to get Omega-3s from food rather than supplement form. Eating non fried, oily fish high in DHA and EPA at least 2 times a week helps get these essential nutrients. Fish choices include Anchovies, bluefish, Salmon, tuna, and mackerel. When possible stick to wild caught choices like wild trout and wild salmon.
Good choices for plant-based Omega-3 options include walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds.
Omega-3s are important for a healthy diet so be sure to include foods rich in these essential nutrients. Summer is a perfect time to experiment with fresh herbs and spice rubs and take that fresh catch to the barbecue grill for a healthy dose of Omega’s. Or add a handful of walnuts to your salad. Your body will love you for it.