Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid (EFA) and one of the 90 Essential Nutrients recommended by Dr. Wallach for optimal health. It’s essential because it’s needed for a wide-range of functions in the body and must be consumed in one’s diet. Omega-3 plays a vital role in brain function, normal growth and development. Additionally, omega-3 has been found to help reduce the risk of heart disease and help combat chronic inflammation. However, most of us do not get enough omega-3s through diet alone so supplementing may be necessary.
Many people believe that by simply following a healthy diet they will get the nutrients they need for optimal health, but actually this is tremendously difficult. Conventional farming has become the standard and this has depleted soils and plants from their nutrient value. Additionally, farm-raised animals do not deliver the nutritional support for optimal health. Taking nutritional supplements will ensure you are getting the proper amount of nutrients you need for optimal health; especially omega-3.
Here are 3 reasons you should be taking an omega-3 supplement:
You Don’t Eat Enough Food Sources of Omega-3s
While it is possible to get omega-3s from food sources, many individuals do not eat enough of the foods that contain them. The best food sources of omega-3s come from wild caught seafood such as salmon, mackerel, cod, tuna, sardines, etc. Plant-based sources of omega-3 can be found in flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds. If you rarely eat these foods, your body may be lacking the omega-3 essential fatty acids that are vital to your health.
You Eat Too Many Foods High in Omega-6
In order to maintain optimal health, you need a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The problem is, most individuals consume food sources with high amounts of omega-6, such as avocados, nuts & seeds, eggs, grass-fed meat (including chicken and pork) and coconut oil. Additionally, the Standard American Diet is very high in unhealthy sources of omega-6 such as vegetable oils, salads dressings, and processed foods; which may lead to inflammation.
It May Help You Live Longer
There are several benefits of consuming omega-3s, some of which have even been recognized by the FDA (may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease). And the amount of data supporting the health benefits of omega-3s only continues to grow; especially for cardiovascular health. Recently, research published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that consuming omega-3 supplements may reduce your risk of cardiac death by an average of 8%. For individuals concerned about their heart health, omega-3s can be especially beneficial.
Make sure you’re giving your body the essential fatty acid balance it needs for optimal health. Youngevity offers Ultimate EFA Plus™ which delivers a balance of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids to ensure you’re getting the best sources of EFAs in the amounts you need.
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