Little Known Facts about Omega 3s that Can Help You Today!

Omega-3s are a type essential fatty acid, which are not naturally produced by our bodies. The three types of Omega-3 are EPA and DHA (commonly found in animal sources) and ALA (commonly found in plant sources).

Some sources are better than others:

This fatty acid can be found in both animal and plant-based sources of food. Fish, like herring, salmon, trout and tuna are often considered more effective sources than plant-based foods like flax seeds, walnuts and chia seeds. This is because our body is thought to convert the EPA and DHA from fish more easily than the ALA from nuts and seeds. ¹

A diet high in sugar and processed carbs can block Omega-3s:

When someone has high insulin in their system- from eating processed carbohydrate foods and too much sugar, it prevents the conversion of Omega-3s into EPA and DHA. To get the most benefit from Omega-3s, plan to eat a well-rounded, whole food based diet based on natural foods, and not packaged and processed goods. ²

Omega-3s can naturally help with two of the biggest health concerns in the world- high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease:

Omega-3s help to maintain heart health by expanding the blood vessels. Studies also show that omega-3’s also promote cardiovascular health, reduces triglycerides, and lowers inflammation. ³

References:

¹“DIFFERENTIATION OF ALA (PLANT SOURCES) FROM DHA + EPA (MARINE SOURCES) AS DIETARY OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS FOR HUMAN HEALTH”. Omega 3 Institute. Retrieved from http://www.dhaomega3.org/Overview/Differentiation-of-ALA-plant-sources-from-DHA-+-EPA-marine-sources-as-Dietary-Omega-3-Fatty-Acids-for-Human-Health

²“Sugar blocks the healthy effects of omega-3 fatty acids”. National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research. Retrieved from http://nifes.no/en/sugar-blocks-the-healthy-effects-of-omega-3-fatty-acids/

³“Ask the Expert: Omega-3 Fatty Acids”. Harvard.edu. Retrieved from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/omega-3/