Omega-3s Don't Need to Be Fishy
By Donna Stark
Salmon, oysters, sardines, and tuna ... these are also some of the top heavyweights when it comes to omega-3 foods. And whether it's from our doctors or news articles, we are hearing more and more about the importance of adding omega-3 fatty acids in our diet and the benefits that they have on our overall health and wellness. As a result, many people are ditching their Friday night pizza for Friday night fish instead -- and that's a good thing because it is recommended that two servings of fish are eaten each week in order to get your fill of omega-3s. But what if you aren't a fan of fish? Where else can you find this vital nutrient?
Benefits of Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are the one type of fat that you do not want to reduce or eliminate from your diet! They play a vital role in the function of your body's cells and brain, and are crucial to optimal health and wellness. Take a look at some of their benefits.
- Reduces harmful inflammation
- Helps fight depression and anxiety
- Improves eye health
- Promotes brain health
- Reduces risk for heart disease
- Reduces risk for mental decline
- Helps fight diabetes and arthritis
- Reduces the risk of certain cancers
- Improves bone and joint health
Other Sources of Omega-3
We hear it everywhere. Eat more fish to get the recommended amount of omega-3s, but for some, eating fish just isn't going to happen. Luckily, it isn't too hard to sneak this key nutrient into your diet through other means. Here are a few suggestions of foods that don't come from the ocean and are still rich in omega-3s.
- Chia, hemp, and flax seeds
- Brussel sprouts, spinach, and broccoli
- Walnuts
- Kidney, navy, and soybeans
- Omega-3 enriched foods, such as eggs and milk
Healthy Diet, Healthy You
Omega-3 fatty acids are the "good" type of fat that we need to add to our diets. Since our body cannot make omega-3s on its own, the only choice we have is to get them through food sources or supplements, so it's important to be very diligent with doing so. Although the best source of omega-3s is fish, finding alternate sources don't need to be at all challenging. As you can see, it's relatively easy to obtain plenty of omega-3s from the many other options at your local grocery store. So go ahead and plan to add more of this fat into your diet. You have a lot of choices to choose from and they are all as tasty as they are healthy!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lubbock, Tex.