The more fat, the better

I am omega 3’d out. In this past week, I think I’ve consumed enough omega 3 fatty acids to see me through the month. Especially on Saturday, I hit an omega 3 hat-trick. Breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? Check, check and check…all thanks to including salmon in all 3 meals.

Omega 3 seems to be quite popular lately.  Everything seems to be ‘rich in omega 3’s’ or have added amounts. To be honest, for the longest time I had no idea what exactly they were and just how nutritionally important they are to the body.  At the time, the only Omega I was familiar with was the watch brand 😳 . 

Jokes aside, all I knew was that it’s something we should be consuming lots of. I just hopped on the bandwagon and started to increase my intake. After covering it in my course, I am slightly more clued up. In case you aren’t completely sure what the hype around omega 3’s is, here’s a little tutorial.

•They are polyunsaturated fats, and a kind of essential fatty acid which our body CANNOT synthesise, hence need to be included in our diet.

•They increase the absorption level of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, needed for resistance against infection, healthy skin, eyes, heart, circulation, blood clotting and strong bones.

•Omega 3’s are interrelated with weight loss as they help regulate insulin production, digestion, and fat storage.

•They are important for efficient functioning of the brain and eyes.

•Omega 3’s reduce levels of triglycerides in the body and hence help with cholesterol problems

•They lower the risk of various diseases including: types of cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes

Symptoms of an omega 3 deficiency include: dry skin, fatigue, depression, poor memory, mood swings, or poor circulation.

Dietary sources include: 

Oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines.

If you aren’t a fish lover, vegetarian sources include pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and flax seeds.

Some products such as cereals, eggs, and dairy products are now enriched with omega 3 fatty acids.

…Make sure you also dose up on omega 3’s because trust me, all the cool kids are 😀 !