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What is Omega-3?
Omega-3, an essential polyunsaturated nutrient that the body can not make on its own, has been given a lot of good publicity lately and for good reason! It has been proven to reduce blood triglyceride levels, arthritis, depression, anxiety and the risk of heart attacks. It helps to improve your memory and to reduce headaches, and is so important for balance in your cholesterol. If you tend to eat a lot of “corn-based” products, including processed breads, cereals, snack cakes, and cookies that contain omega-6 acids, you’ll need to replace some of those foods with heart-helping omega-3 choices.
Not only do omega-3 fatty acids contribute to your internal health, but they also help maintain beautiful skin! They help your body to protect itself against sun damage and help your body recover from carcinogens that can cause cancer. Ladies - here’s a skin care regiment that does double duty!
But how can you add more omega-3 to your diet? It’s easy to incorporate omega-3s into your daily basis - the best dietary sources of omega-3s are fish oil (cold water oily fish like wild salmon, cod, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines), flax, walnuts, omega-3 fortified eggs, seaweed, soybeans and even canola oil.
If you don’t cook, you can try taking fish oil capsules. You should aim to eat at least 4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids a day. For example, by incorporating two tablespoons of flaxseeds, you will get 3.5 grams of omega-3 fats, or get 1.5 grams of omega-3 fats from a 4-ounce piece of salmon. However, like any vitamin, supplement, or nutrient, it is best to get your omega-3s from food. And if you have serious health concerns, don’t wait to consult a doctor or nutritionist.
What conditions or symptoms indicate a need for more foods high in omega-3? Medical experts say:
- Depression
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Fatigue
- Dry, itchy skin
- Brittle hair and nails
- Inability to concentrate
- Joint pain
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- Feeling down? Check out top nutritionist Joy Bauer’s list of her top ten happy foods.
- Get a does of omega-3 before you start your day. My friend Leslie, a New York City nutritionalist, says choosing the right cereal can make the difference.
