(BPT) – Across the globe, heart health is becoming a growing concern. In order to combat a rising epidemic of heart disease and other heart-related illnesses, more and more Americans are placing a greater emphasis on the critical role of nutrition and a balanced diet.
More than likely you’ve heard about the importance of a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and its associated health benefits. However, despite this knowledge, it can be difficult to consume enough Omega-3s through diet alone. Knowing where to find the best sources of Omega-3s can be key to a heart-healthy lifestyle.
What are Omega-3s?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fat that helps support heart and joint health while maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Considered “essential” because the body needs them to function but can’t create them, Omega-3s must come from dietary sources like fatty fish, nuts or supplements such as krill oil. Unlike “bad” fats that can clog arteries and raise cholesterol, these “good” fats play a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart disease.
The benefits
In addition to supporting a healthy heart, here are just some of the great Omega-3 benefits:
*Supports healthy triglyceride levels
*Supports eye health and vision
*Supports healthy arteries
*Important for cognitive (or brain) health
*May support joint and bone health
*Important for healthy skin
Omega-3 deficiency symptoms
It’s also important to remember that the following symptoms may be caused by a lack of Omega-3s:
*Rough or dry, bumpy skin
*Dry, dull, brittle hair and dandruff
*Soft, peeling or brittle nails
*Excessive thirst
*Difficulty sleeping
*Difficulty paying attention
*Excessive mood swings, depression or unwarranted anxiety
Good sources of Omega-3
On average, Americans do not get enough Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Since Omega-3s are not produced naturally within the body, you can increase your daily intake with the following omega-rich foods and supplements:
*Fatty fish (i.e., mackerel, herring, lake trout, salmon, anchovies and tuna)
*Walnuts
*Flaxseeds
*Dairy and Eggs
*Supplements (i.e., MegaRed Krill Oil)
For those who can’t or would rather not eat fish or the other food sources high in Omega-3s, supplements can be a great way to bridge nutrient gaps. Not all supplements are the same, so it’s important to do your research and choose a product that has been clinically tested and proven to be beneficial. One supplement that has been proven to increase Omega-3 index within just 30 days is MegaRed Krill Oil because it’s an easily absorbed Omega-3. Furthermore, MegaRed is sustainably sourced from Antarctic krill and has no fishy aftertaste, a side effect of some other Omega-3 supplements.
Consuming a balanced diet of healthy foods and supplementing that diet is the key to unlocking heart and overall health.
