Omega 3 Fatty Acids–One of the Most Beneficial Supplements Available

That’s according to Men’s Health and the Abs Diet gang. It’s also the opinion was echoed by my CPT professor when I went back through training to get re-certified. And, it’s the opinion of many of our research institutes.

Seriously, the benefits (scientifically supported) are truly astounding. I’ve been taking fish oil for several years. I literally carry it with me in a small medicine vial in my purse and take it with each meal. To give you a quick education according to the editor’s in Men’s Health:

“There are three types: eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid, known respectively as EPA, DHA, and ALA. EPA and DHA, the omega 3 fatty acids that are most easily used by your body, are found in significant amounts only in marine life, particularly cold-water fish (because they carry more fat for insulation). ALA, on the other hand, is obtained from plant-derived foods, such as flaxseed, canola oil, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts. ” According to Bruce Holub, PhD., professor of nutritional sciences at U of Guelph, in Ontario, something to note is that “for ALA to provide any health benefits, your liver must convert it into EPA and DHA.”

What that means is with our ability to convert only 10-15%, we’d have to take in 6X the Omega 3’s from plant sources to equal 1 gram of Omega 3’s from fish. Things that make you go, “Hmmmm.”

For more information on the benefits of Omega 3’s:

University of Maryland Med Center Article

Wikipedia-Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Science Daily Article

Harvard Gazette Article

Fatty fish seems to be the link to long life in areas of high consumption. I’m glad it’s in my arsenal! Have you considered adding it to yours? I know a great place to start: iHealthChic- Fish Oil!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Any Oprah fans out there? Occassionally I catch her show when it’s repeated in the evening, but man does that woman and her producers get it RIGHT!  That team covers the entire mind-body-spirit connection spot on. The show is usually great, the experts are good, her book recommendations are good, the magazine is a well balanced read, her web site is good ( www.Oprah.com ) and boy, oh boy, don’t I LOVE Dr. Oz….! He’s amazing!

CoQ10 is an awesome antioxidant that not only fights free radical damage, but also drives production in our cells AND keeps our hearts pumping strong. A lot of women over 40 notice a decline in energy, but there is an easy way to combat that….first and formost…EXERCISE is my #1 remedy.  Truly, it is.  In fact, exercise, a good night’s sleep and sound nutrion can combat a SLEW of health issues.  And, when it comes to supplements, CoQ10 is one in my arsenal for healthy living because it helps fuel the process that turns fatty acids into energy.

For Dr. Oz’s recommendations for nutrients, vitamins and other supplements recommended for healthy living, you can visit Oprah’s site:  http://www.oprah.com/health/oz/programs/young/solutions/solutions_vitamin.jhtml .

 or visit with your nutritionist or dietician.