While most people think of a diet high in fat as being unhealthy, omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that offer benefits for the brain and body. Read below to learn about the potential benefits of getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, and learn which foods you should add to your diet today!
Omega-3 fatty acids include three types: EPA, DHA, and ALA. These good fats are not made by the human body, which means we must get them from what we eat. EPA and DHA are generally consumed by eating certain types of fish while ALA can be found in seeds and nuts.
Potential Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Boost heart health - Omega-3s from fish oil can lower triglyceride levels, thus lowering the risk of heart disease.
Ease mental health symptoms and neurodegeneration - Some research suggests that getting adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids can ease symptoms of depression, ADHD, and age related problems like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Fight inflammation - Symptoms of diseases associated with inflammation, like asthma and arthritis, can be eased by taking quality fish oil supplements that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, researchers believe fish oil can boost the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Foods High In Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Add these foods to your family's diet today to get more health boosting omega-3 fatty acids!
- Anchovies
- Bluefish
- Herring
- Mackerel
- Wild salmon
- Sardines
- Tuna
- Grass-fed beef
- Wild rice (not white or brown)
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Olive oil
- Flaxseed
- Chia seeds
About Balance 360 Nutrition
Balance 360 nutrition focuses on research-backed recommendations to optimize brain health, development and performance. By providing education and support around our pillars of nutrition we empower you to set a foundation of a brain-healthy lifestyle. Through one-on-one meetings with our nutrition experts we meet you where you are and help you set realistic, achievable goals to elevate your brain health.
Our primary areas of focus consist of fuel, hydration and reducing systemic inflammation. Fuel provides our bodies and brains the nutrients needed to function at an optimal level. Proper hydration affects every cell in our bodies. We work to identify and minimize common dietary drivers of inflammation including added sugars, ultra-processed foods, dyes and artificial sweeteners.
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Source: WebMD - The Facts on Omega-3 Fatty Acids
