For many of us, there is too much information out there
offering the cure-all for diseases. Sadly enough, many fall
into the trap buying the new and hip supplement. There are many
that support health, as well as many that could cause adverse
reactions, so consumer knowledge is important. Omega-3's
continue to be in the spotlight.
So what are they? Well, they fall in the essential
polyunsaturated fat category. The word 'essential' means our
bodies require it but we cannot make it, so we need to consume
it. Included in the polyunsaturated fat category are the two
essential dietary fats: Omega-6 and Omega-3.
Omega-6 fats are everywhere, especially in the vegetable oils
used for cooking and baking. Omega-3 oils, however, are rapidly
disappearing from our diet. As recently as 100 years ago, North
Americans were still consuming approximately 1,500 mg of
Omega-3 oil daily. This was due in part to cattle and chicken
consuming grass (which contains Omega-3 oils). Therefore
Omega-3's were deposited in the animals. Over time this amount
has decreased to less than 100 mg per day. The lack of Omega-3
consumption is a dietary tragedy.
Omega-3 oils are critical for nerve and brain functional
development, vital for a healthy immune system and heart
health. Because of changes in our food supply and modern eating
habits, these once ubiquitous oils are almost absent from our
diet. Fish contains omega 3's, however with concerns of toxic
PCB and mercury, we consume less than enough to support Omega 3
levels.
As a practical matter, dietary supplementation is the only way
to achieve appropriate levels of these oils. In order to
guarantee adequate amounts of Omega-3 oils, you may consider
taking a good quality supplement. Please ensure molecular
distilled fish oil is in the capsules of choice for better
health outcomes. Many products on the market cannot and will
not ensure the toxins are adequately removed.
The Canadian government recommends 1,000 mg of Omega-3 fatty
acid per day. There are tremendous benefits to having the
sufficient essential fat Omega-3 in our body. Because our food
choices have less and less of these essential fats, is it very
likely that you require supplements.
This is not the "new" thing to do - Omegas are a part of our
body and, much like the radiator fluid our vehicles require to
run effectively, we require Omega 3 in substantial amounts.
Remember when your mothers or grandmother gave you cod liver
oil? Some of us were lucky to have capsules while others
consumed the liquid (Yuk!). However taking these certainly kept
colds away and for only that one benefit, most of us would
agree it was well worth it.
More importantly, high enough doses can assist your body in the
treatment and prevention of diseases - heart disease, stroke,
diabetes and cancer.
So do your part and give your body the essential fats it needs
to work well. There are literally tons of research available to
show the benefit of Omega-3s for our overall health
maintenance. When we take care of ourselves, our medical
practitioners have an easier job making sure we stay well.
Here's to your health!
Karen Hourtovenko RN(EC), is a health and wellness
consultant from Sudbury who writes columns about healthy
living for Northern Life.
