Omega 3

The Role of Omega 3 During Pregnancy

j0407368Omega 3 fatty acids are important in the human diet for a variety of things. It has recently been found that these fats are essential in the proper development of a fetus in the womb. Expectant mothers are often concerned about how much of the good fats they should get and what sources of Omega 3 during pregnancy they should use.

The benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids are far reaching. They have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and actually reduce cholesterol. They are important in joint health and even protect your vision and keep your skin healthy and glowing. Researchers are still studying the links between Omega 3s and cancer prevention and even its effects on brain health.

 

What are the benefits of Omega 3 during pregnancy?

Studies have shown that children whose mothers got sufficient Omega 3 during pregnancy have a developmental advantage over those who were lacking in the essential fatty acid. In the second year of life, these Omega 3 nurtured children had a better attention span than those who were lacking the fats while in the womb.

While the role of Omega 3 in the brain is not fully understood, DHA (one component of Omega 3s) makes up a large portion of the brain. The development of the brain during pregnancy, therefore, depends on sufficient Omega 3 during pregnancy.

 

What are the best sources of Omega 3 during pregnancy?

Many pregnant women are concerned about where they get their Omega 3 fatty acids. Being wary of mercury levels in fish and the adverse affects it has on pregnancy, women want to steer clear of fish with high mercury levels as a source of Omega 3 during pregnancy.

Low mercury fish like catfish and occasionally salmon continue to be a good source of Omega 3 during pregnancy. Non-fish sources including Omega 3-enriched eggs and plant sources are good as well. If you are pregnant you may want to discuss taking an Omega 3 supplement like Core Omega-3 with your physician.

 

Omega 3 fatty acids are important in adult health and vital in the development of unborn babies. Making sure to get all of the necessary vitamins and nutrients, including Omega 3 during pregnancy is a priority for many moms-to-be.

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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.

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