Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly referred to as omega-3s, constitute a crucial group of fats essential for maintaining our overall health. These aren't your typical fats; they play a starring role in maintaining your overall wellbeing, functioning as both a source of energy and as key contributors to the proper operation of vital systems including the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and immune system. Beyond sustaining fundamental bodily processes, omega-3s offer substantial health benefits.
Our bodies cannot generate omega-3s in sufficient quantities to support survival. Instead, you need to get these essential fatty acids from foods or omega 3 supplements. Among the omega-3s, two stand out as especially critical: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), primarily prevalent in select types of fish. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), another omega-3 fatty acid, can be sourced from plant-based foods like nuts and seeds.
Omega-3s are like the building blocks of your body's cell membranes, essential for the proper functioning of your organs, immune system and hormones. These remarkable fatty acids play a crucial role in supporting eye, brain and heart health, bone strength and joint flexibility. When you include omega-3s in your diet or take omega 3 supplements, they can help protect you against chronic conditions and even help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Oily fish and shellfish are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically anchovies, herring, oysters, mackerel, salmon, sardines and trout. They also contain an array of other essential nutrients like iron, zinc and vitamins A, B12 and D, along with selenium, iron, and zinc. If you don’t eat fish, you can still increase your omega-3 intake with a variety of plant-based delights like chia seeds, flaxseed, hazelnuts, walnuts, tofu and leafy vegetables.
Omega-3s are like the building blocks of your body's cell membranes, essential for the proper functioning of your organs, immune system and hormones. These remarkable fatty acids play a crucial role in supporting eye, brain and heart health, bone strength and joint flexibility. When you include omega-3s in your diet or take omega 3 supplements, they can help protect you against chronic conditions and even help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.