by papertygre
A new study from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that omega 3 deficient diets cause up to 96,000 preventable deaths annually in the U.S and was the sixth of twelve different modifiable and preventable causes.
Scary statistics indeed! I take such reports with a pinch of salt (or perhaps not so much- the fifth leading cause was hight salt intake!) but the underlying message, that the modern diet is deficient in omega-3’s and that they are crucial for good health, is one that you should take serious note of.
The human body makes many of the substances that it needs, but certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (also called omega-3 fats and n-3 fats) must be consumed.
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for growth and development. EPA and DHA are essential for proper brain function (vision, mood, learning ability, co-ordination), they control the stickiness of the blood and also control blood cholesterol and fat levels, improve immune function and metabolism, reduce inflammation and maintain water balance.
omega fatty acids
We tend to get enough of the omega-6 variety already, so pay attention to the omega-3’s as this is where we tend to be most deficient.
The best seed oils for Omega 3 fats are flax (linseed), hemp and pumpkin. When you eat these, your body converts up to 10% of the oils into EPA and DHA.
If you want to go directly to EPA and DHA then you can eat other animals which have also done this conversion in their bodies e.g. mackerel, herring, lake trout, salmon, tune, sardines, swordfish and white fish.
Of course, there are a wide variety of essential fat supplements that you can take. Be sure to get one with omega-3 oils, many on the market contain a mixture of 3’s and 6’s with a higher ration of the 6’s.
My top tip for general good health but also to lose belly fat is to grind golden linseeds and take a tablespoon a day with or after breakfast. I have found it to be a very effective way to curb cravings and maintain concentration. Flax, as well as having high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, contains fibre and lignans- substances linked with cancer prevention.
Incidentally, a tablespoon a day especially in the week leading up to your period will significantly reduce PMS symptoms.
If you make your own bread then you can also replace some of the flour with a tablespoon or three of the ground seeds (also try ground toasted sesame and whole poppy or sunflower seeds) for an amazingly delicious bread.
Finally, the ground seeds are expensive to buy. Buy whole, organic seeds (golden linseeds) and then whizz them up in a coffee grinder, a week’s supply at a time. This way you’re getting the maximum goodness for less money.
This is a great post! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights!
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