Omega 3 Benefits: Have You Had Your Fish this Week?

Omega 3 fatty acids have definitely gained in popularity over the past several years. They are nothing new; we are just finally getting to understand these fats and how they impact our health. As science uncovers Omega 3 benefits, we can see more and more why they should be an important staple in our diets. As many people take daily vitamin supplements, including an Omega 3 supplement may be a wise choice as well.

Omega 3 fatty acids are found in many foods. They are found most abundantly, however, in oily fish like herring, sardines, lake trout, and tuna. They are also found in other types of fish as well as flax seeds, walnuts, and some green leafy vegetables. Omega 3 benefits make it easy to see why including these foods in your diet can be great for your health.

Trying to understand all of the Omega 3 benefits can be difficult with so many sources on the web. This table from the Mayo Clinic provides an easy to read list of afflictions and the grade Omega 3 fatty acids get for treating or preventing those ailments.

For instance, Omega 3 fatty acids get an A on treating high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. They still show evidence of helping with inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, and as a nutritional supplement, getting a B in these areas.

The Omega 3 benefits are far reaching. The American Heart Association recommends people with no history of cardiovascular disease get two Omega 3 rich servings of fish per week as well as including things like flax seeds in their diet. They also state that people with coronary heart disease and high blood pressure consume an Omega 3 supplement.

If you don’t like fish or aren’t sure you are getting enough in your diet to reap the many Omega 3 benefits, you may want to talk to your doctor or begin taking an Omega 3 fish oil capsule as a daily supplement.