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How can omega-3 fatty acids and their essential benefits!

Posted in Exercise, Food, General, Health, Nutrition, Vitamins

Another name for Omega-3 Fatty Acids is Essential Fatty Acids. Essential by definition means absolutely necessary, extremely important. I was raising my oldest children during the 80’s when everything you read told you to cut fat out of your diet. I gave son number 2 skim milk based on what I was reading at the time, not a great idea. I have often thought of a saying about the pendulum, it swings from one side all the way over to the other before landing in middle ground.  I feel like the new information regarding good fats is a bit extreme. encouraging an over consumption of good fats.  We still only need so much fat in our diet to be healthy and at a healthy weight. I am for moderation.

Omega-3’s are DHA, EPA, and ALA (for short because the full names are very long) and have a diversity of beneficial effects including improved brain health, that sounds good! Decreased inflammation, that sounds good too! Lowering triglycerides and overall heart health, I like it! Better sleep, wow I like sleep! These sound like good things to me how about you?

I would say I value what my brain offers to my life and I want to keep it healthy, similar to the benefits of exercise (I thought I would just throw that in their for fun) Essential Fatty Acids can help with prevention or remedy for depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, dementia and Alzheimers. Next, inflammation, Oh yeah, we don’t want inflammation that is precursor to metabolic syndrome. What does inflammation look like in the body you ask? Arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, heart disease, diabetes and cancer, not appealing. Omega-3s can help lower your blood pressure and increase your HDL’s, the good cholesterol and that is very important when reading your total cholesterol.  Omega-3 can lower your triglycerides and that is very important to prevent hardening of the arteries or thickening of the the artery walls which can then negatively effect the heart and even the pancreas.

You can try omega-3’s for a better sleep, that is a much better option than addictive sleeping pills and their side effects. Omega-3’s can increase your calcium absorption (which can also help with sleep) while reducing the risk for osteoporosis. Omega-3’s can help keep bones and joints strong while also keeping you from being stiff.

So how can you get these wonderful Omega’s you ask? You can eat some Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna and Sardines a few times a week as well as eat some walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds or add the oils onto cereals or salads or even into some dishes after cooking. Not good for cooking!

If none of those foods sound delicious to you or if you know you are not going to be getting them often enough in your diet than a good quality supplement of Cod oil, Krill oil, or a mix EPA, DHA, ALA. Ask a qualified professional for specifics and if you have a trusty supplement company read the label and follow the recommendation. I usually suggest you try a new thing for a few days to see if you get any unwanted reactions, if not you can continue and you will eventually see the benefits.

 



Though I attend several of her classes, where Darla truly shines is as a personal trainer and
health coach. She saw where I was, and helped me to get where I wanted to be, even though I
wasn’t sure I was communicating it clearly. After just a year my Dr. was amazed to report my
bone density had improved, and my overall health was enhanced. Darla keeps training fresh,
challenging, and enjoyable; and she is always supportive and encouraging. During this time of
sheltering I have been continuing my training sessions via Skype, and her eagle eye doesn’t
miss a thing…still correcting my form and pushing me to go beyond where I thought I could go.
Thank you doesn’t seem nearly enough for someone who got me back on a positive health track
that has enriched body, mind and spirit. But thank you anyway, Darla.

Laura, Newton New Jersey
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