Why We Love Omega 3's

Fat gets a bad rap. Our bodies actually need fats to help repair wear and tear on our muscles, rejuvenates skin cells, and maintain brain health. Unfortunately, the average person is eating the wrong fats. The Western Diet is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, the fats linked to chronic health conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Omega-3s are the unsung heroes in health. Yet, these healthy fats are behind all the benefits we discussed and more. Here are just some of the many reasons why we love omega-3 fatty acids!

What Are Omega-3s?

Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids. They contain amino acids that serve as the building blocks for all cells, muscles, and brain matter. 

Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Wild-Caught Fish
• Hormone-Free Poultry
• Fruit Oils (Extra Virgin Olive, Almond, Coconut)
• Ghee
• Grass-Fed Butter
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Tofu
• Avocados
• Coconut
• MCT Oil
• Whole Grains
• Algae
• Krill Oil 

These foods are not only rich in omega-3s but also have diverse nutrients. Try integrating one of these options in the placement of your regular meat-and-potato staples. Small changes can make a big difference in your health.

5 Benefits of Omega-3s

Now that you know where to get omega-3s, let's get to the why. Omega-3s impact so many functions that influence our mental and physical wellness. Here are some of the top omega-3 benefits that will change your health routines for the better. 

1. Lowers Chronic Inflammation 

Humans evolved on a 1:1 ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s. Since the dawn of mass production, this ratio has slid to 15:1 in favor of omega-6s. This massive swing coincides with a rise in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Research suggests that omega-3s counteract some of the damage caused b omega-6s. They provide building blocks that repair metabolic and digestive health long compromised by inflammation. 

These benefits also extend to sore muscles and joints. The two primary omega-3s in our diets are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both EPA and DHA influence inflammation to reduce swelling in the body.. 

2. Preserves Brain Health

Omega-3 fatty acids can bypass the blood-brain barrier. They have been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain that could destroy brain matter. 

Research indicates a link between low levels of DHA and poor memory. Krill oil is an excellent source of DHA. Taking a krill oil supplement is an easy way to support your focus, performance, and cognition throughout the day.   

3. Maintains Cardio Health

A significant side effect of a long-term Western Diet is an increased risk of heart disease. Omega-6 fatty acids slow the body down because they are hard to digest. Eating too many omega-6s can cause weight gain that makes exercise more challenging and less desirable.

Additionally, foods rich in omega-6s tend also to raise your low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). Elevated LDL cholesterol levels can cause blockages in arteries that promote high blood pressure and heart disease.

Omega-3s help bring balance to omega-6 levels. In turn, there is less inflammation, and cholesterol gets processed more efficiently. 

Additionally, omega-3s help with vascular function. EPA and DHA help blood vessels move easier throughout the body, which keeps your heart healthy and strong.

4. Supports Healthy Immunity

The Western Diet leaves the body prone to inflammation. Long-term inflammation can cause damage to our gut lining. That leaves toxins from the intestines free to enter the bloodstream. Many experts believe that these gut problems are tied to autoimmune diseases.

Omega-3s help gut lining in two ways. For one, they help end the inflammation that's causing the gut to leak. Secondly, they help soothe the gut lining so the cells can repair the damage. Once the gut repairs itself, your immune system will become less strained. 

5. Keeps Skin Young

We all want to look as young as possible. There are some ways you can slow down the clock. Omega-3s are a natural way to maintain healthy skin. 

EPA has shown many skin health benefits, including:

• Reducing Acne
• Prolonging Aging Skin
• Maintaining Proper Hydration
• Strengthening Hair Follicles
• Lowering Risk of Eczema or Psoriasis

Take Krill Oil daily, and eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids will help heal the body from within. These benefits will project out through your skin, mood, and activity levels.