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!

Toxic seems to be such a negative word. Yes, there are most certainly many “opportunities” for exposure to convenience food & lifestyle environments that pose a danger to our well being. And yes, there is aggressive marketing and misinformation out there to hawk so-called “nutritional” foods for profit at the expense of OUR health or environment. Not to mention the office “spread” opportunities, and great tasting (?), but cheap fast food. But I don’t think our future is bleak. And the world IS a beautiful place to be. I sincerely believe each one of us can make a difference….one change at a time, one person at a time, one day at a time….beginning with ourselves. Don’t we all want to lead healthy, happy lives? The way to do that is to follow a path that includes regular physical activity, good nutrition, preventive screenings, and EVERY day—make smart, healthy decisions. Did you know that a healthy lifestyle can easily add 10-20 years to a lifespan, not to mention dramatically improve the QUALITY? Sometimes the commitment seems too big. It’s really not. TRUST me. It’s about making small changes, daily choices, and a commitment to your goal. Small steps, ladies. And we’ll do it together. On this site, we can help each other with answers, suggestions, and provide synergistic encouragement. The sisterhood is strong. And the knowledge of ALL of us combined is POWERFUL. Join us. Be Strong. (Btw, I just love Lance’s “LIVEstrong” bracelet. Someone gave it to me when I was fighting leukemia and the mantra just resonated with me… Live Strong. Heck yeah. I will live strong, baby. I AM living strong. Every day.)  Life and health are such precious gifts. I am so thankful. Stay tuned, chicas….and stay STRONG!  Lisa