Live Well

There’s been a lot of hype lately about the benefits of omega essential fats–the omega-3’s,-6’s and 9’s. These types of fats, found in many oil products (olive oil, flax oil, etc.) and in foods such as walnuts and soybeans, have continually been revered by the world of nutrition for their many health benefits and in preventing certain diseases or conditions. What’s the deal with them? 

Tonight’s feature focuses on some common questions about these omega fatty acids explaining their benefits and how to include them in your diet. 

1. Q. “What are omega essential fatty acids?“

A. Omega fatty acids are unsaturated fats (beneficial) that can be found in many nuts, seeds and leafy greens. They are “essential” to the body’s well-being and in preventing conditions/diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, and for proper brain development.

2. Q. “Besides fighting disease, why are they important for the body?“

A. Eating omega-rich foods is important for the body to maintain optimal health. Additionally, the body cannot manufacture itself a certain type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and this needs to be obtained through foods included in the diet.

3. Q. “But I’m going for low-fat…“

A. It’s a positive thing to monitor fat intake, but some fat is necessary to keep the body running properly. And, for the reason above, to acquire the ALA needed that cannot be self-made. Plus, if you’re going to have to include some fat, it’s best to have these types of healthy, unsaturated fats.

4. Q. ”Oh look! My yogurt has omegas in it! And this bread!“

A. That’s great, but watch out. Fortified foods that include omega-3 fatty acids contain a type not as potent for the body to use. They are helpful, but make sure to include naturally-found omegas in the diet.

5. Q. ”OK. I read all that but I want a list of foods to look for with them in it…“

A. Here ya go; these are great sources. 

walnuts and other nuts, oils, leafy green vegetables, soybeans and tofu … and FISH! (see next question)

6. Q. “Ah! Fish? Wait, this is a vegetarian blog! And if that’s a good source, what am I to do?“

A. This is where the second part of this post, flax seed oil, comes in. I’m sure you’ve seen fish oil advertised, maybe in a GNC or VitaminShoppe, or other vitamin store. Ew, gross — fish? Sorry, non-veg’s. But still, we vegetarians/vegans need a good source for these essential fats! The answer…flax seed oil! The wonderful nutrients and fatty acids of fish oil, and then some. This can be found in a pill form, such as another vitamin supplement. 

7. Q. “OMG. Give me some now. Where can it be found?“

A. Get flax seed oil, like I said…, at any vitamin store or health market. Talk to your doctor or the professional at the store for more information to make sure it’s fitting to your diet.

Hopefully this gives a look into information about these omega essential acids and how they can be obtained. Let me know if there’s any questions and let me know what you think!

Been experimenting with some new themes and CSS and the website. I tried the self-hosted WordPress but it didn’t work — had errors with the domain and everything… Anyway…

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Be well,

Brian

Thank you to these sources:

What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids? – About.com -link-

Flaxseed Oil – FAQ -link-