WELLNESS
TEXT
AMY SELBACH
MIRACLE
CURE
Recently there has
been an onslaught
of media hype
around Omega-3
fatty acids.
Open any health
magazine or blog, or visit
any nutritionist or health
coach and they will tout
omega-3s as a must have.
However, we have heard this all
before. Remember when we were being
told to eat margarine and artificial
sweeteners and to avoid eggs and avocados?
That was bad advice. So is this too?
Over the last 5 years omega-3s have
become a household name, yet very
few people actually know what they
are or why to eat them. Many have
a jar in their cabinet going rancid
as we speak. Well, before you let
another jar of omega-3s go to waste,
let me tell you what they actually do
and what current scientific evidence
shows. Perhaps you will find yourself
more motivated to incorporate them
into your daily routine.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a
collection of polyunsaturated fatty
acids including EPA and DHA that the
body does not produce on its own.
We need to get these from food
sources or supplements. One major
source of these acids is fish. High
doses are found in salmon, sardines,
tuna and cod liver. Other major
sources are walnuts, canola oil and
flax seeds.
Brain Health: Studies have shown
that Omega-3 fatty acids have
improved memory and learning.
Certain studies have shown that
children taking omega-3 have scored
higher on test and memorization
activities and had fewer behavioral
problems and mood swings. Other
studies have shown Omega-3s help
fight age-related cognitive decline.
They have also been shown to aid
in depression, dementia and even
schizophrenia.
for a variety of diseases such as
heart disease, allergies, autoimmune
disease, cancer and more.
Omega-3s are a key component in
quelling inflammation.
Reduce Inflammatory Conditions:
Omega-3 helps fight inflammation in
the body. This is a huge topic, but to
put it simply inflammation is caused
by our body fighting something, be it
disease, infection, injury or fighting
for balance. While inflammation is an
appropriate and necessary response
to the aforementioned list, chronic
inflammation is bad and is the basis
Great Skin: That healthy glow you
see has been linked to having fatty
acids—like Omega-3—in your diet.
The skin can also become inflamed
due to poor diet and skin conditions
such as eczema and acne. These
ailments are often thought to be a
result of chronic inflammation.
Help with Heart Disease: Omega-3
fats also lower blood pressure and
heart rate, improve blood vessel
function, and—at higher doses—
lower triglycerides. They also combat
the development of atherosclerosis
by once again reducing inflammation.
Here are a few ways to get Omega3s into your diet:
1. Smoothies: a tablespoon of
flax oil or fish oil can be added to
a smoothie. Before you’re put off,
there are fish oil blends that don’t
taste fishy at all!
2. Salmon: You can put it on top of
salads, or make a salmon burger, or
even a gourmet fish cake! Smoked
salmon is also a great thing to eat on
the go in a variety of ways.
3. Take a tablespoon of raw cod liver
oil or an omega supplement from
a reputable company. Not all fish
oils are created equally, so do your
research.
4. Flax and Walnuts: Sprinkle on
salads, over yoghurt, roasted veggies
or blend in smoothies.
37.