Why You Should Choose Omega-3 Rich Foods in Your Diet
For years, health experts have touted the benefits of consuming omega-3 fatty acids, but most people don't understand why they are essential. Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for the health of your body's cell membranes and provide benefits for blood vessels, immune systems, lungs, and endocrine systems.
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
In a nutshell, omega-3s are a group of fatty acids that play essential roles in every person's body and are believed to provide multiple health benefits. The critical thing to remember when discussing omega-3 fatty acids is that your body cannot produce them naturally. That means everyone must get omega-3 fatty acids from their diets or some type of dietary supplement.
There are three primary types of omega-3s: alpha-linolenic (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA). The majority of ALAs are from plants, but both EPA and DHA are found in algae or foods derived from animals.
Foods that are rich in omega-3s include walnuts, fatty fish, and flax seeds. Many people use fish oils and flaxseed oil to boost their omega-3 intake, but others use some type of omega-3 supplement to achieve their dietary goals.
Health experts agree that that ALA can, to some degree, be converted to EPA and DHA, but not in high enough quantities to provide for an average person's dietary needs. That means the only way to acquire sufficient amounts of all three omega-3s is to consume sufficient amounts.
What Common Foods Include Omega-3s?
Many foods that contain omega-3s naturally, but there are other foods that have omega-3s added. Most health experts recommend consuming a variety of foods to get the most omega-3s possible. The foods most commonly recommended include:
- Salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and other types of fish and seafood. Fish are the best sources of omega-3s, so it's always important to take steps to boost your intake of fish.1
- Walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseed are high in omega-3s and are common ingredients in many "healthy" recipes. Of course, walnuts also make great snack foods for people looking for ways to boost their intake of omega-3s.
- Canola oil, flaxseed oil, and soybean oil all provide omega-3s. They can easily be used daily to boost a person's intake of omega-3s. If another oil is called for in a recipe, consider substituting one of these oils.
- Many fortified foods. Yogurts, soy beverages, and some brands of eggs are fortified with additional omega-3s. When shopping, look for brands that include added omega-3s to ensure you and your family are getting a sufficient supply.
Take the time to plan your meals so they include omega-3s. It's not difficult to include fish, nuts, oils, and fortified foods in your meals.
Are You Getting Enough Omega-3s in Your Diet?
Since there are no established numbers to use, determining if you're getting enough omega-3s isn't always easy. Rough, scaly skin and rashes are common signs of a deficiency, but most people who are not getting enough omega-3s may not see outward signs of problems.
Because everyone's needs will vary, it's generally good to err on the side of caution and make sure your diet is rich in omega-3s. However, it's also essential to look at the benefits of an omega-3-rich diet.
Established Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Scientists and health experts have been researching and documenting the many benefits of omega-3s for years, and it's important to review some of their findings.
- Omega-3s and depression. Depression is one of the world's most-common disorders. Studies have shown that people who routinely consume enough omega-3s tend to be less depressed.2 In addition, those studies demonstrate that patients who up their intake of omega-3s experience fewer symptoms.
- Heart Disease risk factors and omega-3s. Another group of studies determined that, when fish make up a significant part of the subjects' diets, their odds of experiencing heart disease are reduced. Plaque is reduced, blood pressure improves, and triglycerides are reduced. Those are significant benefits.
- Omega-3s reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is far too common and frequently contributes to a number of serious health conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids lead to a significant reduction in the molecules linked to common inflammatory conditions.
- Upping Omega-3 consumption reduces age-related mental decline. While additional research is certainly needed, preliminary findings point to a reduction in both age-related mental decline and Alzheimer's. That's especially true if the consumption of omega-3s is increased during early stages of those issues.
- Consuming omega-3s may improve bone and joint health. Arthritis and osteoporosis are common issues facing many people as they age. Recent studies suggest omega-3s increase the amount of calcium in bones, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, patients experiencing significant pain from arthritis have seen their pain levels decrease with the use of omega-3 supplements.
- Omega-3s are also linked to improved fetal development. Pregnant women are encouraged to consume seafood.3 Of course, seafood that are high in methyl mercury should be avoided. Discuss which types of seafood to eat with your physician.
- Chronic respiratory issues may be reduced with omega-3s. There is some evidence that respiratory issues, especially asthma, can be avoided or reduced by consuming sufficient levels of omega-3s.
There are other benefits as well, so if you're experiencing medical issues, take the time to discuss the potential benefits of adding omega-3s to your diet with your physician.
Get Started Now
If you lack omega-3s, now is the time to deal with that issue. At the same time, it's important to review your entire diet and exercise plan to determine where and how to obtain any needed omega-3s.
The majority of health professionals recommend getting your omega-3s from whole food, like nuts and fish, but using a supplement to boost your intake of omega-3s may be necessary. Again, it's important to discuss any changes in your diet with a physician. Your doctor may have recommendations related to your specific health needs.
To get started, discuss your concerns and needs with a healthcare professional today. Once your needs are determined, sit down with those providers to discuss which foods and supplements will best fill those needs.
1 Omega-3 Fatty Acids, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-fatty-acids
2 17 Science-Based Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3#section1
3 7 Things To Know About Omega-3 Fatty Acids, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-omega-fatty-acids
Jay Todtenbier is an original founder of SupplementRelief.com in 2010 and has operated the business ever since. He is also a tennis instructor and gospel musician. Formerly he spent 25 years in business development, technology and marketing with startups and major corporations having gone through the tech boom in Silicon Valley in the 90s. He became passionate about, and began studying and practicing Wellness as a Lifestyle after experiencing chronic, personal health challenges including depression, auto-immune disorders, and being overweight that impacted his ability to live a healthy, vibrant life. Since then, he has been an advocate for healthier living encouraging others to live better through making small, gradual changes to lifestyle behaviors relating to whole-foods nutrition, stress management, reasonable exercise, proper sleep, and the use of targeted, high-quality supplements.
Learn more about Jay Todtenbier.
Related Content
We encourage you to take advantage of these FREE Wellness Resources on our website.
Common Sense for Living a Healthier Life
An estimated 95 percent of the world's population suffers from some type of medical condition according to recent reports from the healthcare sector. More than a third live with as many as five simultaneous health issues.1 At the same time, one in four people currently suffer from a mental illness, and this number is expected to increase during the years to come.
Healthy Living Whole Foods Cookbook
The foods we choose to put into our body should be helping us live more vibrant and productive lives but for many are they are the leading contributor to chronic disease.
Many people know "what" to do to be healthy, but HOW do you do it? One of the best ways we have found is to show people how we eat as a family. This customizable, whole foods cookbook features healthy, affordable, great-tasting recipes that are easy-to-make.
We hope you enjoy these recipes and encourage you to share them with your family and friends!
We also encourage you to browse through the Related Content section on this page to find great articles about nutrition and healthy living.
Help for Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Living
Eliminating or minimizing Gluten and Dairy from your diet isn't necessary for everyone but some certainly benefit from making these lifestyle changes. Regardless, we all benefit from eating more natural, whole foods and less processed foods. Learn more about gluten-free and dairy-free nutrition options and take advantage of the educational resources, shopping list, and recipes.
How to Grocery Shop and What to Eat
We are what we eat. Studies from reputable health organizations suggest that 40-60% of Americans are living with one or more chronic diseases, which negatively impacts their quality of life, reduces employment productivity, and drives up health care costs.1 Lifestyle choices, in particular, the foods we choose to put into our bodies, are making us sick. However, we do have choices regarding our nutrition.
Learn practical tips for healthy and affordable grocery shopping and consider using a list similar to the recommended natural, whole foods grocery shopping list provided to get you off to a good start!
Something's Fishy- Tastes like Skittles???
What do you do when you grow up in a wellness minded family? You just might compare this Fish Oil to... Skittles?
-
Blog Post
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
In a nutshell, omega-3s are a group of fatty acids that play essential roles in every person's body and are believed to provide multiple health benefits. The critical thing to remember when discussing omega-3 fatty acids is that your body cannot produce them naturally. That means everyone must get omega-3 fatty acids from their diets or some type of dietary supplement.
There are three primary types of omega-3s: alpha-linolenic (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA). The majority of ALAs are from plants, but both EPA and DHA are found in algae or foods derived from animals.
Foods that are rich in omega-3s include walnuts, fatty fish, and flax seeds. Many people use fish oils and flaxseed oil to boost their omega-3 intake, but others use some type of omega-3 supplement to achieve their dietary goals.
Health experts agree that that ALA can, to some degree, be converted to EPA and DHA, but not in high enough quantities to provide for an average person's dietary needs. That means the only way to acquire sufficient amounts of all three omega-3s is to consume sufficient amounts.
What Common Foods Include Omega-3s?
Many foods that contain omega-3s naturally, but there are other foods that have omega-3s added. Most health experts recommend consuming a variety of foods to get the most omega-3s possible. The foods most commonly recommended include:
- Salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and other types of fish and seafood. Fish are the best sources of omega-3s, so it's always important to take steps to boost your intake of fish.1
- Walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseed are high in omega-3s and are common ingredients in many "healthy" recipes. Of course, walnuts also make great snack foods for people looking for ways to boost their intake of omega-3s.
- Canola oil, flaxseed oil, and soybean oil all provide omega-3s. They can easily be used daily to boost a person's intake of omega-3s. If another oil is called for in a recipe, consider substituting one of these oils.
- Many fortified foods. Yogurts, soy beverages, and some brands of eggs are fortified with additional omega-3s. When shopping, look for brands that include added omega-3s to ensure you and your family are getting a sufficient supply.
Take the time to plan your meals so they include omega-3s. It's not difficult to include fish, nuts, oils, and fortified foods in your meals.
Are You Getting Enough Omega-3s in Your Diet?
Since there are no established numbers to use, determining if you're getting enough omega-3s isn't always easy. Rough, scaly skin and rashes are common signs of a deficiency, but most people who are not getting enough omega-3s may not see outward signs of problems.
Because everyone's needs will vary, it's generally good to err on the side of caution and make sure your diet is rich in omega-3s. However, it's also essential to look at the benefits of an omega-3-rich diet.
Established Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Scientists and health experts have been researching and documenting the many benefits of omega-3s for years, and it's important to review some of their findings.
- Omega-3s and depression. Depression is one of the world's most-common disorders. Studies have shown that people who routinely consume enough omega-3s tend to be less depressed.2 In addition, those studies demonstrate that patients who up their intake of omega-3s experience fewer symptoms.
- Heart Disease risk factors and omega-3s. Another group of studies determined that, when fish make up a significant part of the subjects' diets, their odds of experiencing heart disease are reduced. Plaque is reduced, blood pressure improves, and triglycerides are reduced. Those are significant benefits.
- Omega-3s reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is far too common and frequently contributes to a number of serious health conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids lead to a significant reduction in the molecules linked to common inflammatory conditions.
- Upping Omega-3 consumption reduces age-related mental decline. While additional research is certainly needed, preliminary findings point to a reduction in both age-related mental decline and Alzheimer's. That's especially true if the consumption of omega-3s is increased during early stages of those issues.
- Consuming omega-3s may improve bone and joint health. Arthritis and osteoporosis are common issues facing many people as they age. Recent studies suggest omega-3s increase the amount of calcium in bones, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, patients experiencing significant pain from arthritis have seen their pain levels decrease with the use of omega-3 supplements.
- Omega-3s are also linked to improved fetal development. Pregnant women are encouraged to consume seafood.3 Of course, seafood that are high in methyl mercury should be avoided. Discuss which types of seafood to eat with your physician.
- Chronic respiratory issues may be reduced with omega-3s. There is some evidence that respiratory issues, especially asthma, can be avoided or reduced by consuming sufficient levels of omega-3s.
There are other benefits as well, so if you're experiencing medical issues, take the time to discuss the potential benefits of adding omega-3s to your diet with your physician.
Get Started Now
If you lack omega-3s, now is the time to deal with that issue. At the same time, it's important to review your entire diet and exercise plan to determine where and how to obtain any needed omega-3s.
The majority of health professionals recommend getting your omega-3s from whole food, like nuts and fish, but using a supplement to boost your intake of omega-3s may be necessary. Again, it's important to discuss any changes in your diet with a physician. Your doctor may have recommendations related to your specific health needs.
To get started, discuss your concerns and needs with a healthcare professional today. Once your needs are determined, sit down with those providers to discuss which foods and supplements will best fill those needs.
Citations:
1 Omega-3 Fatty Acids, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-fatty-acids
2 17 Science-Based Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3#section1
3 7 Things To Know About Omega-3 Fatty Acids, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-omega-fatty-acids
AuthorJay Todtenbier is an original founder of SupplementRelief.com in 2010 and has operated the business ever since. He is also a tennis instructor and gospel musician. Formerly he spent 25 years in business development, technology and marketing with startups and major corporations having gone through the tech boom in Silicon Valley in the 90s. He became passionate about, and began studying and practicing Wellness as a Lifestyle after experiencing chronic, personal health challenges including depression, auto-immune disorders, and being overweight that impacted his ability to live a healthy, vibrant life. Since then, he has been an advocate for healthier living encouraging others to live better through making small, gradual changes to lifestyle behaviors relating to whole-foods nutrition, stress management, reasonable exercise, proper sleep, and the use of targeted, high-quality supplements.
Learn more about Jay Todtenbier.
-
Related Content
Related Content
We encourage you to take advantage of these FREE Wellness Resources on our website.
Common Sense for Living a Healthier Life
An estimated 95 percent of the world's population suffers from some type of medical condition according to recent reports from the healthcare sector. More than a third live with as many as five simultaneous health issues.1 At the same time, one in four people currently suffer from a mental illness, and this number is expected to increase during the years to come.
Healthy Living Whole Foods Cookbook
The foods we choose to put into our body should be helping us live more vibrant and productive lives but for many are they are the leading contributor to chronic disease.
Many people know "what" to do to be healthy, but HOW do you do it? One of the best ways we have found is to show people how we eat as a family. This customizable, whole foods cookbook features healthy, affordable, great-tasting recipes that are easy-to-make.
We hope you enjoy these recipes and encourage you to share them with your family and friends!
We also encourage you to browse through the Related Content section on this page to find great articles about nutrition and healthy living.
Help for Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Living
Eliminating or minimizing Gluten and Dairy from your diet isn't necessary for everyone but some certainly benefit from making these lifestyle changes. Regardless, we all benefit from eating more natural, whole foods and less processed foods. Learn more about gluten-free and dairy-free nutrition options and take advantage of the educational resources, shopping list, and recipes.
How to Grocery Shop and What to Eat
We are what we eat. Studies from reputable health organizations suggest that 40-60% of Americans are living with one or more chronic diseases, which negatively impacts their quality of life, reduces employment productivity, and drives up health care costs.1 Lifestyle choices, in particular, the foods we choose to put into our bodies, are making us sick. However, we do have choices regarding our nutrition.
Learn practical tips for healthy and affordable grocery shopping and consider using a list similar to the recommended natural, whole foods grocery shopping list provided to get you off to a good start!
Something's Fishy- Tastes like Skittles???
What do you do when you grow up in a wellness minded family? You just might compare this Fish Oil to... Skittles?
The information, knowledge, and experience shared on this website is the opinion of SupplementRelief.com. This site and its content is intended to enhance your knowledge base as YOU MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE DECISIONS in partnership with your qualified health professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referred to are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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