Catch the Total Package for Health: Supplement with Fish Oil for Omega

First Posted: Apr 22, 2020 04:52 PM EDT
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Health trends lure us in all different directions. From food pyramids, to fad diets, to the dos and don'ts of eating, we are constantly on the hook trying to figure out the true food facts.
(Photo : pixabay)

Essential Fats for Health

Health trends lure us in all different directions. From food pyramids, to fad diets, to the dos and don'ts of eating, we are constantly on the hook trying to figure out the true food facts. Such outdated information once demonized the consumption of fat in our diet altogether. And yet, a low-fat diet didn't make us any healthier.

Now we know how to distinguish between unhealthy and healthy fats. Trans fats offer no health benefits whatsoever, and healthy fats1, like monounsaturated and poly unsaturated fats, are vital to overall health. These crucial macronutrients provide your body with a robust energy source, assist in the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and minerals, support muscle movement, and boast many additional brain, body, and skin benefits.*

Nothing Fishy About Omega-3

The human body requires fatty acids, but they must come from your diet-our body is unable to make them. The two major forms of omega-32 are:

  • DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

DHA is important for skin, the retinas of your eyes, brain development, and brain function in adults. This important form of omega-3 can also help keep your brain healthy as you age. It's also helpful to maintain healthy blood triglyceride levels already in the normal range, an important aspect of heart health.*

  • EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

EPA is important to a number of physiological roles in the body including studied benefits in menopausal women who supplemented with EPA.  

Some vegetarian sources of omega-3 can be found in flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. However, these ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) rich sources aren't as beneficial for health as the omega-3s that can be found in fish and fish oil supplements because your body must convert ALA into DHA or EPA in order to be used for functions other than energy. This is an inefficient process-the body can only convert roughly 5 percent of your intake of ALA into favorable forms that pack exciting benefits.

DHA and EPA each play an extremely important role in human physiology. For example, they contribute to healthy cell membrane fluidity which is critical to the regular function of neurons in the brain. Neurotransmitters tied to attention and focus rely on this fluidity to send messages.

Another noteworthy benefit of DHA and EPA is glowing skin. DHA is one of the structural components of your skin. Healthy membranes allow for healthy skin. EPA also benefits your skin health by managing oil production and hydration, and preventing premature aging.*

Omega-3 fatty acids are stars in the supplement world for their well-researched benefits.

Supplementing with a high-quality fish oil from a pure source is one of the best ways to support your health. Many products on the market include additional vitamins and nutrients. But finding a clean, reliable source from a reputable company is imperative if you choose to boost your omega-3 intake with supplements versus diet.*

Pretty Possibilities: Fish Dishes for a Glowing Complexion

Yet, nothing tastes like the real thing! It's easy to make poor diet choices that lack omega-3 fatty acids. And while supplements can be very helpful for getting the essential fatty acids that are so critical for brain and body health, there are far too many delectable fish dishes to ignore.*

Fatty fishes-sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon-are all yummy options to include in your meal planning. And they're packed with important nutrients like vitamin D and essential protein. Above and beyond the health effects of omega-3, it also helps your skin to look radiant and youthful. So go ahead-bake, fry, grill, or poach your way to a gorgeous complexion and a more interesting flavor profile.*

Prepare Dishes for Optimal Omegas

As you begin to incorporate more fish-focused recipes into your rotation, consider the way you cook your fish to get the most omega-3 benefits with each meal. Studies show3 that baking fish, compared to frying, can affect the omega-3 content. During the heating process, when fish is exposed to high heat, fatty acids begin to break down. Baking or boiling fish may be better preparation methods to keep more of your beneficial fatty acid content intact, compared to fried fish recipes. The quality of your fish and the method of preparation should guide you to the most optimal sources of nutrition.

Use fish in weekly recipes as an alternative to chicken to unlock elegant and surprisingly simple varieties of your favorite go-to dishes. There's no need to be intimidated by adding seafood into your home cooking. If you're concerned about shopping ethically, take the time to get to know your vendor. You'll not only get peace of mind, they'll suggest meaty fish options that are mild in flavor and play nicely in a large variety of flavor profiles. Find healthy recipes to experiment with to include this dimensional protein source into your daily diet.

Glowing skin is no small reason not to strive for more fatty acids in your menu. Dive into the benefits of adding more omega-3 in your life today.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

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About the Writer

Candice writes about healthy living, health science, and lifestyle topics. Previously, she was a writer and editor covering tech, software, and cybersecurity for a corporate compliance firm. She has a degree in English. She lives in Salt Lake City.

 

References

1.      https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-truth-about-fats-bad-and-good

2.      https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/3-types-of-omega-3#section3

3.      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23239760

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