Omegas Are the New Alphas: Get The Skinny On These Fatty Acids
Like diets, some supplements come and go—think fashion fads, but in your medicine cabinet. Remember when everyone took resveratrol then got bored, started skipping their daily intake, and just began doubling down on oversized servings of pinot noir? I’m a tad buzzed but it’s good for my heart! Well, Omega-3s are on a different level. They’re not trendy, they’re essential. We’re here to break down why this fatty acid deserves a permanent spot in your vitamin regime.
Before we get down to the incredible functionality of the mighty Omega, let’s dig into what exactly it is. Since our body can’t make this fat naturally, we have to get it elsewhere. Consuming foods rich in Omegas are best, but supplements also serve as an alternative. Here are three main fat groups that Omegas occupy.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - soy, flaxseed oil, walnut oils, perilla and canola
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - seaweed and cold water fatty fish like salmon
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) - cod liver oil, oysters, mackerel, herring, anchovies, chia seeds
Omega3 and it’s well-rounded benefits have been studied and tested more than any other nutrient. The reason being that it somehow seems to assist in everything the human body does—keeping us running like a well oiled machine. Results in cases where daily intake of Omega3 was introduced were conclusive: Daily intake of Omega3 supports so many different functions in the body including, (deep breath, because this is a long list) depression, anxiety, eye health, fetus development in pregnant women, improved risk of heart disease, reduces ADHD symptoms in children, fights autoimmune disease and inflammation, and may prevent certain types of cancer.
But wait... There’s more!
Not only are you getting anti-inflammation, alleviation of menstrual pain and improvement of bone and joint health, but these babies are throwing in regulation of blood clotting and stroke prevention in the mix—absolutely free.
You might think that all your other supplements would be jealous. You can just hear Zinc scoff now, “Omega thinks they’re good at everything just because Bobby’s arthritis is better.” But the truth is, Omega3 works great in conjunction with taking other supplements, acting as a natural therapeutic. For example, taking Omega3 and Vitamin D together has shown to improve several mental illnesses including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. What makes this pair such a great team lies in the science. Vitamin D controls serotonin synthesis while EPA manages serotonin release in the brain - and then we have DHA, improving the access of embedded membrane serotonin receptors. A more homeopathic approach to mental wellness without prescription side effects.
The information contained in this post is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or professional advice. You should consult your doctor or medical professional before starting this or other fitness or nutrition programs to determine if it is right fo your unique needs.