Omega 3 Fatty Acids

In general, a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle will promote a healthy and long life.  Specifically, certain substances are critical in this process.  Omega 3 fatty acids are one of these critical substances.

Omega 3 fatty acids, found naturally in a variety of foods, are essential to reducing the negative effects of many diseases.  In fact, they may offer limited protection against certain diseases as well.

Omega 3, which is polyunsaturated, is obtained through the normal diet. Although particular food groups may contain more Omega 3 than others, maintaining a balanced diet of natural foods ensures a sufficient intake of Omega 3. 

Specifically, fish, including salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and lake trout, are high in levels of Omega 3.  Unfortunately, due to the pollution of our waterways, they are also high in mercury content, and therefore, should be kept to a minimum in the weekly diet.

A variety of fruit juices and fortified bread also contain high levels of Omega 3 and should be included in our diet on a daily basis.  Other foods, including walnuts, flaxseed, canola, and soybeans, contain a substance that breaks down into Omega 3.  Therefore, including these foods in the weekly diet is highly recommended.

Individuals who do not maintain a balance of fresh and natural food products in their diet, but rather, rely on prepackaged and processed foods, may benefit from taking an Omega 3 supplement.  Processed foods contain less or no Omega 3 fatty acids.  Subsequently, the body may become deficient in Omega 3.

Omega 3 is generally present in every cell of the body, specifically, in the membranes of the cells.  Omega 3 helps to regulate the biological functions of the human body.  A healthy heart, good brain function, and healthy cholesterol levels require Omega 3 fatty acids.