Oh-Mega! Your Essential Fatty Acids

Last week, I talked about buzz words. This week, I'm going to talk about...more buzz words. Try to contain your excitement. You may have heard about Omega-3 fatty acids. In a culture that is so consumed with thin and skinny and diet fads, why is there such a push for FATTY acids? Omega 3 are polyunsaturated fatty acids, making them easier to breakdown in your body. These are essential, which means we aren't able to make these in our body so we have to find them in our diet. There are several different types of Omega-3's we should look for, but they all work together in our body to build and form EPA and DHA. 


First, let's talk about why these are important. EPA and DHA are important in brain and eye development for in children during fetal development and into toddler years. This is why these are found many times in prenatal vitamins. There have been some studies supporting its positive contribution for people battling depression, and can also reduce the risk of dementia. Omega-3 is a healthy fat that can also help control blood clotting and even cholesterol! Its anti-inflammatory properties help with immunity and certain inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like lupus.


Where can we find this Fatty Acid? Fish! But not every fish is a good source. Fish sticks from fast food? Errr...wrong! I'm talking about some nice salmon, sardines, even anchovies. But, again, there is a caveat to this. Try to pick WILD CAUGHT and not farm raised. Check the packaging (canned is not best) because you don't want added Mercury to your diet. 


Not a fish person? Try seeds. Hemp, flax and chia seeds. If you're not sure how to incorporate these in your diet, use your Pinterest account for more than just summer fashion ideas! 


If these diet add-ins still don't entice you, when all else fails...BEEF! But, you guessed it, not every type of beef will do. Cows today are fed corn but they are supposed to have a grass diet. When cows eat what they were supposed to eat, grass, they have a wonderful balance of Omega-3 that actually make them really healthy for us. 
If you're not able to adjust your dietary intake or when buying WILD, ORGANIC, GRASS-FED just doesn't fit in your budget, try supplements. 


Nordic Naturals, a high quality brand delivering DHA and EPA in several forms could be the way to go. We carry liquid, gummies and chewable tablets for children and Cod Liver Oil and a mango flavored (Yum!) liquid for adults. We also carry high quality flax seeds, hemp seeds, and other sources of natural fatty acids. Come into GoodPill to discuss which would be better for your family and review your prescribed medication as well to make sure there aren't any contraindications.


References:
5 Foods That Contain Omega-3's That AREN'T Fish - http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/omega-3-foods
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health - http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcidsandHealth-HealthProfessional/

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