| |
The Wellness Institute
195 hits
Jun 30, 2004 4:10 pm |
|
Omega-3 Fatty acids |
Tim and Lisa Rider
| |
I read this article and wanted to share it with everyone. It's good information on the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.
To understand omega-3 fatty acids, you need to know the bad fat from the good fats. While all fats weigh in at 9 calories per gram, their chemical compositions vary - as do their potential to cause disease.
Saturated fat is the fat at the top of the Food Pyramid. Saturated fat causes your LDL ("bad") cholesterol to rise. Avoid eating too much saturated fat.
Monounsaturated fat is one of the good fats found in olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and in most nuts. This type of fat doesn't elevate cholesterol levels.
Omega-3 fatty acids are another good fat called polyunsaturated fat. Known as "essential fatty acids" because your body cannot make them, Omega-3 fatty acids are concentrated in cold-water fish, dark green leafy vegetables, flaxseed oils, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and tofu.
Three Crucial Reasons to Get More Omega-3s! Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the major types of omega-3 fatty acids. Once eaten, ALA is converted to EPA and DHA which are more readily used by your body to protect your heart, maintain your brain and mental functions, and reduce joint problems. Omega-3s Improve Heart Health Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids protect your heart by naturally lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Two major clinical studies have shown that regular consumption of fish (or, even better, a fish-oil supplement) can prevent sudden deaths due to abnormal heart rhythms.
Omega-3s Alleviate Depression and Symptoms of Other Mental Health Problems Your brain is about 60% fat and it needs omega-3s to function properly. Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent mental health problems because they seem to keep the brain's entire traffic pattern of thoughts, reactions, and reflexes running smoothly and efficiently. Omega-3s Reduce Joint Problems and Arthritis Researchers have found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce joint tenderness, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Skip the T-bone - Have the Salmon In addition to these healthy benefits, various research shows omega-3 fatty acids to be effective in helping with asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Add an omega-3 dietary supplement to your diet and give your body a nutritious punch - naturally! Are you getting enough omega-3 in your diet? If you are not and would like some more info. Send me an email lrider@iglide.net.
Lisa Rider lrider@gulftel.com Private Reply to Tim and Lisa Rider (new win) |
|