What are Omega-3s?

Good Evening and Happy Weekend!

Today I want to talk about Good Fats, specifically the Omega-3’s!

There is a lot of information out there regarding good fats and bad fats, and it can all be quite confusing. The truth is that your body needs fuel for energy, and that fuel needs to be a combination of carbohydrates, protein and fats. I try to incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids — a so-called good fat — into my diet.

What are the Omega-3s?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important for a number of functions in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids: They are necessary for human health, but the body can’t make them. You have to get them through food.

Omega-3 Benefits:

Omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to reduce inflammation throughout your body, maintain fluidity of cell membranes, lower the amount of lipids (fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides) circulating in the bloodstream, reduce risk of obesity, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and reduce the risk of depression. Some research has also shown that Omega-3s may assist in boosting our immune systems.

Where to find Omega- 3 Fatty Acids:

All fish contain omega 3 fatty acids, but they are more concentrated in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least 2 times a week.

Other food sources of Omega- 3s include:

Soybeans and tofu
Walnuts
Flax seeds and pumpkin seeds
Flax seed oil
Green leafy vegetables such as, spinach, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts
Legumes such as, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans and split peas
Berries such as, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries ( in season right now : )
Avocado
Some eggs, such as omega-3 enhanced eggs

This week try focusing on adding in some of the above Omega-3s rich foods to at least one of your meals each day.

In Health and Happiness,

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