Heart & Brain Boosters: The Omega-3 Path to Peak Health

This week we explore Omega-3 fats.?Renowned for their powerful health benefits including their potential to fight depression, lower inflammation, protect brain health, and reduce markers of heart disease, Omega-3s may also benefit your skin, accelerate wound healing, boost hair growth, reduce hair loss, and even lower your risk of some cancers.? They are among the most studied nutrients in the world. Abundant in foods like walnuts, seafood, fatty fish, and specific seed and plant oils,?they are an essential part of my Wellness Evolution Core Four.

???Understanding Omega-3 Fatty Acids: What Are They?

?? Nature's Nutrients: Omega-3s are essential fats mainly found in fish, seafood, and some plant sources. They're crucial for maintaining heart health, brain function and for reducing inflammation.

?? Types of Omega-3s: Mainly three types - EPA and DHA (primarily found in fish) and ALA (found in plant sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts).?

• Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): A type of Omega-3 fatty acid. Primarily from plant sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. It's essential, meaning our body can't make it, so we need to get it from our diet or supplements.
• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): A type of Omega-3 fatty acid, primarily found in fish and seafood. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, importance for heart health, reducing symptoms of depression, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): Found mainly in fish and algae. Crucial for brain health and development, especially for infants and during pregnancy, it supports the structure of cell membranes, particularly in the brain and eyes, and is important for cognitive (brain) function and vision.

?? Why Omega-3s are Essential for Your Health

?? Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Omega-3s play a significant role in reducing inflammation throughout the body which is beneficial in conditions like arthritis and autoimmune diseases.

?? Balanced Mood: Regular intake of Omega-3s is associated with improved mood and mental well-being, potentially aiding in managing depression and anxiety.?

?? Brain Booster: Essential for brain health, these fatty acids improve memory and cognitive function and are linked to a reduced risk of dementia.?

?? Cancer Combatant:?Research is ongoing into the role of Omega-3s in cancer prevention and management through their ability to regulate cell growth, reduce inflammation, and potentially induce the self-destruction of cancerous cells.?Please note: Omega-3s are not a cure for cancer and should not be considered a standalone treatment.

?? Enhanced Physical Performance: Omega-3s aid in muscle recovery, reduce muscle soreness and enhance physical performance.

?? Heart Health Hero: Omega-3s contribute to maintaining heart health by reducing triglycerides, lowering blood pressure, and lessening the risk of heart disease.

??? Skin Saver: Omega-3s help maintain skin health by managing oil production, hydrating dry skin, reducing premature aging, and protecting against sun damage.

?? Supplements: Why You Might Need Them

??? Dietary Deficits:?

• Many people struggle to consume sufficient omega-3s, especially those who don't regularly eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines.?
• Vegetarian sources, such as flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds, primarily provide ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which the body must convert to EPA and DHA – a process that can be inefficient.?

?? Modern Diets and Processing:?

• Food processing techniques can significantly affect the omega-3 content in our diet. For instance, the refining of oils often removes beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.?
• The shift towards grain-fed livestock leads to lower omega-3 levels in meat and dairy products compared to their grass-fed counterparts.?

These factors contribute to a general decline in dietary omega-3 intake, making supplementation an important consideration.

?? Increased Requirements:?

• Certain life stages and health conditions necessitate a higher intake of omega-3s. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are critical periods where DHA is vital for the baby's brain development.
• Older adults may benefit from omega-3s to maintain cognitive function and heart health.?
• Individuals with certain health conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and mood disorders might also require more omega-3s than what diet alone can provide.

?? Supplementing Smartly:

?? Fish Oil Supplements:?

• Aim for at least 500mg combined EPA/DHA daily for general health.?
• For specific conditions like heart health or high triglyceride levels, higher doses may be beneficial.?Ask your doctor or holistic health practitioner.
• Look for products certified for purity and free of heavy metals like mercury.?
• My ProOmega supplement has a total of 2000mg; 1125mg EPA / 875mg DHA / 150mg other Omega-3s.?

?? Plant-Based Alternatives:?

• For those preferring plant-based options, algae oil supplements are a great source of DHA and EPA.?
• The recommended dose can vary, but typically around 200-300 mg of DHA/EPA daily is a good start.?
• I alternate my Fish Oil with a plant-based Krill Oil which has 1000mg, plus astaxanthin (asta?zan thin), a powerful free radical scavenger and immune-supporting carotenoid, and phospholipids, molecules that?act as a barrier to protect cells against various environmental insults.

? ? ? ?? What to Look For:?

• When choosing an omega-3 supplement, pay attention to the type of omega-3s it offers (EPA, DHA, or ALA), the overall dosage, and the purity of the product.?Your product should state the amounts of each type, not just the total amount.
• Third-party testing and certifications can be a good indicator of quality.?Ensure it is free from contaminants and is sustainably sourced.
• Allergens: Check for any allergen information, particularly regarding shellfish.
• Freshness: Make sure the product is fresh, possibly with added vitamin E to prevent oxidation and not harmful preservatives.

My Fullscript picks are all tested, certified and top quality. You can access them here at your preferred 15% discount.

??? Balancing Dosage and Needs:?While omega-3 supplements are beneficial, it's important not to exceed recommended dosages unless advised by a healthcare professional. High doses of omega-3s can have blood-thinning effects and should be taken cautiously, especially if you are on certain medications.

?? A Spectrum of Benefits: From supporting heart and brain health to managing inflammation, Omega-3 supplements can be a vital addition to your health regimen.?Incorporating these supplements supports your overall wellness, complementing a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

?? Exclusive Offer: As always, you can discover the power of Omega-3s with top-quality fish oil supplements from my Wellness Evolution Fullscript Online Natural Dispensary.??Click here to see my top picks in this category and take the first step towards a healthier you with my trusted selection of omega-3 products. Your path to optimal wellness awaits!

Until next time...Warm regards and well wishes,

Gloria

Gloria Treister, HHP

Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner

EMCC Certified Executive and Business Coach

Advanced Physical Fitness Specialist

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