subject: Omega3 Foods and Supplements are Important for Your Health [print this page] Author: Elizabeth Ruby Author: Elizabeth Ruby
It's the beginning of a new year, and an excellent time to take inventory of our overall health and make some lifestyle changes. One dietary change I would encourage you to implement is to add more omega3 foods to your daily meals. Our bodies need these essential fatty acids and since we don't produce it on our own, we depend on what we can take in from the foods we eat. Omega3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, herring, and mackerel. It is also found in the form of a fish oil dietary supplement to be taken along with your daily multivitamins. You may be wondering what type of benefits there are for you in this specific type of nutrient. The polyunsaturated fatty acids in these foods and supplements provide a vast array of health advantages for the heart, protecting you from dangerous plaque buildup in artery walls and reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke. It also steadies heart rhythm, lowers triglycerides and modestly lowers blood pressure. The heart requires EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) to maintain proper circulation, and since omega3 foods contain this essential fatty acid, the American Heart Association has recommended eating fish and taking fish oil supplements for people who have experienced a heart attack to prevent further cardiac ailments. Along with helping the heart, omega3 foods are vital to the healthy formation of the brain's nerve cell membranes. The brain needs adequate levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to maintain and rebuild cells, and fish oils are rich in DHA. Low levels of DHA have been associated with Alzheimer's disease, but researchers have found that people who regularly took in these essential fatty acids had a 60% less chance of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Other studies have shown that patients suffering from depression showed marked improvement after increasing their intake of omega3 with DHA supplements. In the book Breaking the Grip of Dangerous Emotions, author Janet Maccaro, P.H.D tells of a Harvard study that showed omega3 fatty acids helped reduce mood swings, and additional studies have demonstrated that consuming these essential fatty acids can improve scores on psychological tests. Another book that shares the same advice is The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Menopause. In her book, author Holly L. Thacker, MD, states that adding omega3 foods can lift your spirits and heighten your energy. She advocates at least two servings of fish per week, but if you are unable to consume the fish, you can also choose to take a fish oil supplement that contains omega3s. She also encourages eating almonds, flax seed, walnuts, and omega3 enriched eggs. In closing, I would like to bring one last item to your attention. When looking for a dietary supplement it is important to look for the omega3 fish oil that is comprised of both DHA and EPA as these are the essential fatty acids needed for the brain and heart, and there are supplements available that lack these vital nutrients, please read labels carefully. I hope you have gained some new information and encouragement in making some healthy choices and changes in this New Year by adding omega3 foods and supplements in your diet. About the Author:
Elizabeth Ruby is passionate about good health and is a firm believer in taking quality nutritional supplements. She has extensively researched Omega 3 fatty acids for optimal health. Check out her web site at http://www.omega-3-health.com/ to find out how she keeps her mind and body young and active, functioning fully with the help of Omega 3 Fish Oil.
