You’ve no doubt been told that fats are bad for you, but you may have also seen things that say “healthy fats”, so how do you know what is good versus bad? Saturated fats found in many packaged foods are ones to avoid whenever possible, as they can lead to plaque buildup and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, are a type of healthy fat that is a much better alternative, that provides a variety of benefits for cell health in several systems of the body. Read on to learn more about some specific healthy fats called omega 3s. By the end, hopefully, you can answer the question- Why are omega 3 fatty acids important?
What are omega 3 fatty acids?
Omega 3 fatty acids are forms of polyunsaturated fats that include EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and also ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which is found in plants. They’re used in the body to strengthen cell structure and function and give your body energy, benefiting many areas of the body, specifically the brain, nervous system, and heart.
What are the benefits of omega 3s?
Research is constantly being done regarding the effect omega 3s have on the body. They have been shown to possibly reduce the risk of heart disease and mental decline, and even influence inflammatory response. Take a look at some benefits of omega 3 fatty acids:
- Help control cholesterol
- Help lower triglycerides
- Help regulate blood pressure
- Help reduce inflammation
- Help support a healthy metabolism
- Help boost brain function
Omega 3s are also crucial for a healthy pregnancy, particularly when it comes to fetal nervous system development.
What are good food sources of omega 3 fatty acids?
Both EPA and DHA are found in fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines, and anchovies. Eating seafood at least once a week is a great place to start if you want to add more omega 3s to your diet; plus, it’s a healthy eating habit with long-term benefits. Since ALA is a plant-based fatty acid, you’ll find it in chia seeds, walnuts, canola oil, edamame, and flaxseed oil, many of which can be added to smoothies or sprinkled on top of oatmeal for breakfast.
Omega Max Supplement
Because the body cannot produce omega 3s, it’s essential to get them from your diet. If you don’t eat a lot of fish, then an omega supplement is something to talk with your healthcare provider about adding to your daily routine. They can also help you determine the correct amount of daily omega 3s you need, and we can provide supplement recommendations accordingly. In fact, we offer a high-quality fish oil, Omega Max, which features MaxSimil®, a patented absorption enhancement technology that guarantees maximum delivery to the GI tract for the best benefit.
So why are Omega 3 fatty acids important? Well, they are significant factors in brain function, cardiovascular health, and overall wellness. Get in touch with us today for more information about our supplements and how we can help you on your journey to better health.
