Fat: whether you are trying to lose it, avoid it or just do not know what to think of it, the fact is the body cannot function without it. Good fats are important for the health of the hair, skin, nails, joints, and eyes. Healthy fats are also important for brain function and cardiovascular health. This is why nutritional experts remind us daily that foods containing saturated fats and trans-fats need to be replaced with foods containing omega-rich essential fatty acids. Foods such as salmon, avocados, walnuts, and flax seeds are excellent sources of omega 3 essential fatty acids. These good fats are called essential because the body cannot make the fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids must be obtained through the diet. There are three types of essential fatty acids, ALA (alpha linoleic acid, found in walnuts, flax, and other plant based oils) and EPA/DHA (found in salmon and other fish oils). Flax oils contain ALA which must be converted to EPA and DHA in the body. Fish oils naturally contain EPA and DHA. The body does not have to convert EPA and DHA. By including plant based oils and fish oils in the diet, they body can benefit from nature’s bounty of essential fatty acids.
The heart protecting properties of omega-3 essential fatty acids are promoted by health experts around the world including Dr. Oz (Watch Dr. Oz weekdays @ 9am on ABC50). According to Dr. Oz, taking an Omega-3 supplement can help reduce triglycerides, stabilize heartbeat, make platelets "less sticky,” can help lower blood pressure and help prevent artery-blocking clots.* February is American Heart Health month and millions of people across the country will be wearing red in support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red campaign.
To improve heart health The American Heart Association recommends a diet rich in fresh fruits & vegetables and high fiber grains. Consumption of meat substitutes like beans, lentils and tofu are also encouraged by the AHA. Lean meats like chicken & fish, nuts & seeds, high-fat cooking oils and low-fat dairy products are recommended in moderation. Lifestyle recommendations include reducing stress levels through practices like yoga and meditation, daily exercise and to strict avoidance of tobacco. Taking a supplemental form of fish oil or flax oil can help you get your daily dose of omega 3s while still following the American Heart Association’s dietary guidelines.
Choosing the right omega 3 supplement can be a daunting task considering the large number of essential fatty acid supplements on the market. One of the most trusted brands sold at The Mustard Seed Natural and Organic Food Store is New Chapter’s line of Wholemega fish oil supplements. New Chapter Wholemega is pure 100% wild-caught Alaskan salmon oil that delivers the whole, natural omegas, antioxidants and vitamins found in wild Alaskan salmon – the good stuff “purified” fish oils can reduce with chemical processing. New Chapter Wholemega also has been the subject of multiple human clinical trials — with compelling results — including an ability to lower triglyceride levels in as few as 14 days.
CLICK HERE for a New Chapter Wholemega coupon redeemable only at The Mustard Seed Natural and Organic Food Store located at 969 Arsenal Street in Watertown.
References: http://www.newchapter.com/ http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/daily-dose-omega-3 http://www.heart.org *Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is intended as, or should be construed as, medical advice. This article is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug administration. The products mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
