Healthy Benefits of Omega-3s

Where do I get omega-3s?

Omega-3 fatty acids are an important part of a healthy diet. They can be found in both plant and animal sources. Plant sources of these healthy building blocks can be found in hemp, chia, and flax seeds. Your body converts plant-based sources at a lower rate than animal sources to be used in the body, so you should consume more animal-based omega-3s for maximum benefit. The best sources of animal-based omega-3s come from fish and krill oil.

Benefits

Omega-3s can provide heart protection by decreasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Proper levels of omega-3s have been found to help in dealing with cognitive decline in Alzheimers and managing symptoms of depression. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s can also help people with painful arthritic joints.

Risks

The health benefits of fish oil outweigh the risks for most people. A majority of of population in the United States would benefit from proper intake of omega-3 fatty acids but certainly not all of them. If you have a health condition that increases your risk of bleeding or you are currently taking blood thinners you should consult with your physician before you begin any supplementation protocol.

Finding Balance

The average American diet should consist of a healthy balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fats in a ratio of about 1:1. Unfortunately, that is not the case for most people. Most people have a ratio of about 25:1 of omega-6s to omega-3s. We consumer far too many sources of omega-6s which tip the scale far away from the 1:1 balance. Excess omega-6s have an inflammatory response in the body which can lead to several different health problems. Common sources of omega-6s can be found in canola, soy, and corn products. Decreasing your intake of these foods while supplementing your diet with an increase in omega-3s will help bring you body closer to the 1:1 healthy ratio.