What’s the hype about getting your Omega-3’s?
What? The Omega-3 essential fatty acid most talked about in the scientific world is alpha-linolenic acid. “Essential” means that it must be consumed in your food and drink as your body does not make it naturally.
Why? Omega-3’s are used in the body’s pathways to help fight inflammation internally. As we constantly promote inflammation in our bodies (food choices, sun exposure, too much or too little exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption and more), it is important to add omega-3’s into your daily diet.
Where? When? How? The best way to get your omega-3’s in by eating fresh/frozen seafood. Salmon, tuna, and whitefish are great sources. The rise in concern over seafood is understandable. [A website to help make healthy seafood options: www.Edf.org. Under Oceans, click “Seafood Selector”.] Additional sources include canola oil, walnuts and flax seeds. Omega-3 supplements are available. When choosing a supplement be sure to investigate the fish oil to guarantee that it is mercury-free.
What else? When an adequate amount of alpha-linolenic acid is ingested and available in the body, it can be converted down to its related omega-3’s… docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosopentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA and EPA are the best sources of the body’s innate anti-inflammatory defense. Along with alpha-linolenic acid, DHA and EPA are naturally found in wild caught seafood.
Who? Are you someone who should be getting more omega-3’s? YES! Everyone should have some daily intake of omega-3. We are all exposed to inflammatory promoters daily whether in our food, air or water. Benefits of decreasing inflammation in the body include better digestion, improved skin appearance, improved energy and clearer thinking.
