Benefits & Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
October 3, 2011 in Health Information, Juicing Tips
Fat does not always equal bad. A certain type of polyunsaturated fats has extreme benefits for you. Those are Omega-3 Fatty Acids. These are the fats that are liquid in room temperature, unlike their counterpart, saturated fats, which are solid like butter. The amount of benefits would surprise you. Read on to learn why they are good for you and the sources of these essential fatty acids.
Benefits
To put it simply, here’s a list of potential benefits from consuming sources of omega-3s.
- reduce inflammation
- help prevent inflammatory diseases such as heart disease and arthritis
- essential to brain; impacts behavior and cognitive function, especially during fetal development
- improves artery health
- improves cholesterol, lowering triglycerides and elevating HDL
- improves joint health, bone health, mental health, skin health, bowel health, lung health, and menstrual health
- helps prevent cancer
Sources
ALA Sources: These have mostly plant origins and convert to DHA and EPA in the body. Flaxseed is the richest source of this. There is also hempseed, canola oil, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil, linseeds, walnuts, and walnut oil.
DHA Sources: They include seafood, algae, coldwater fish, salmon, sardines, and albacore tuna.
EPA Sources: Some are salmon, sardine, cod liver, herring, mackerel, and halibut.
Enriched eggs are also good sources of all three type of omega-3 fatty acids.
Photo Credit: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
