Find Balance: Omega-3’s
Omega-3 fats help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Too much Omega-6 on the other hand is pro-inflammatory which will increase one’s risk of things like cardiovascular disease, cancer and even arthritis.
Processed foods that contain soybean, safflower, corn and sunflower oils are all omega-6 fats. In addition nuts, seeds and animal products also contain omega-6. We can’t avoid omega-6 oils as our body needs these but we must understand the imbalance that is occurring. Most Americans have a 16:1 ratio while the Japanese have less than a 3.5:1 ratio!
Omega-3’s are mostly found in fish or fish oil supplements. Although it would be nice to obtain all of our nutrients from food sources, this is probably not the smartest way when it comes to omega-3’s. Unfortunately our fish is contaminated with things like PCBs and toxic metals so we must be careful with our consumption.
Eating healthier varieties of fish a few times a week along with a high quality fish oil supplement will have positive effects on your body. I recommend increasing one’s omega’3 fat intake to improve heart and artery health, to lower blood pressure, to maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, assure good blood sugar and insulin control, optimize brain function, improve skin, improve arthritis and reduce inflammation.
Seek a qualified professional to help select a pure source of fish oil and dosage. Remember too much of a good thing can be toxic!
Alison Held, Nutritional Consultant & Health Coach
Healthful Direction
www.healthfuldirection.com