Omega 3 Sources: Food for Your Health

Omega 3 fatty acids are a group of nutrients, not just one as commonly thought. This group has many far reaching benefits and should be incorporated as part of a healthy diet. There are a variety of Omega 3 sources that make getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids quite simple. An easy and vital addition to your diet, Omega 3 sources can help you in many ways.

Not all fats are bad! Of course the variety around your midsection isn’t great, but as a nutrient, there are good fats. One example of good fats is Omega 3s. The benefits that Omega 3 sources carry are plentiful.

For one, Omega 3s may be able to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In you cardiovascular health, Omega 3 sources have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke as well as reduce hypertension and even help reduce cholesterol. This important good fat has been shown to improve joint problems and skin condition as well.

An important counterpart to Omega 3 fatty acids are Omega 6 fatty acids. Although Omega 6 fats are also important and serve many positive functions in the body, they can cause more harm than good if ingested out of balance. In order for Omega 6 fats to serve their healthy purpose, they must be combined with a healthy ratio of Omega 3 sources. The problem with modern diets is we often have more than enough Omega 6 fats in our diets but are seriously lacking in the Omega 3 sources.

When Omega 6 fats are present in a much higher, unbalanced rate in the body they can actually increase the chances for heart disease and stroke. Because Omega 3 sources have anti-inflammation properties they help to counteract this and allow Omega 6 fatty acids to serve a positive role.

Good Omega 3 sources include:

• Flax seeds
• Canola Oil
• Broccoli
• Canteloupe
• Walnuts
• Spinach
• Cold water, fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies)

Finding high quality Omega 3 sources is not difficult. It may have you eating some newer foods in your diet, but the payoff is worth it. If these food sources aren’t your favorites try an Omega 3 supplement.