Are You Getting Enough Omega 3 In Your Diet?

Do you know that taking Omega 3 supplements might be the only way for your body to get a healthy balance of essential fatty acids?

Fatty acids seem to be pivotal in prevention for most health problems. Using them may help prevent devastating diseases like Cancer, Depression or Alzheimer's, reduce cardiovascular risks, and raise energy levels. Fatty acids can be used in the treatment of a variety of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's disease and diabetes.

The problem is that our modern eating habits aren't compatible with the amounts of essential fatty acids our bodies require. The fatty acids, Omega 6 and Omega 3 require a ratio of 1 to 1. This exemplifies what early man probably had in his diet while our modern diets of processed foods and Omega 6 oils leave us with an imbalance of the two. Our diets today may be off as much as 20:1 Omega6:Omega3 ratio. The imbalance of fatty acids is thought to be the root of many serious health concerns, and even modern medical professionals are suggesting taking an Omega 3 supplement.

To rebalance your essential fatty acids, decrease your intake of foods containing Omega 6 fatty acids. Several common cooking oils are high in Omega 6 like safflower, sunflower, corn, soy or canola oils. How many of these do you have in your cabinet?

Not only that but if you check the ingredients list of most of your packaged foods, you'll find these oils used in their production as well. Choosing an oil that is healthier for your body is wise, try coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil or organic butter. Foods which contain Omega 3 fatty acids can also be added to your diet to even out your ratio of essential fatty acids. For example, walnut oil, fish and flax seed oil.

Unfortunately, getting more Omega 3 from eating a lot of fish might not be ideal as most of our waters are polluted and fish have high levels of toxic mercury. Tilapia, flounder, haddock, wild Pacific salmon and sardines are the safest fish to eat.

Which brings me to why Omega 3 supplements might be critical to your health! Most people consume a diet that does not provide a way to increase the difference between Omega 3 and Omega 6. Cod Liver, Krill, and any other fish oils, will furnish a substantial amount of Omega 3's. Any supplements should include Vitamin E, which will lower oxidation of the fatty acids.

To find out more about how adding an Omega 3 supplement to your daily routine could be vital to your health, visit http://www.naturalhealthbuzz.com

- Lee Dobbins

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Health