There is such a thing as GOOD fat!

Lets talk FAT… gasp, did I just say fat? You bet it did! But these FATS are GOOD fats. Healthy fats that should be our friends and not our foe! Its Omega -3 fatty acids!

Omega-3 is absolutely essential for our health, as great as our bodies may be, our bodies can’t produce this fatty acid, so it’s important to consume the foods that contain this wonder working fatty acid. No I don’t mean go and grab a tub of margarine and sit there eating it spoon by spoon..HAHA! This fatty acid is extremely healthy and exceptionally beneficial to our bodies and tasty (well to some of us anyway). Fish such as Salmon, Tuna, Halibut, and Sardines contain the highest amount of Omega-3, other foods are walnuts, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, butternuts and soybean, even algae contains omega-3! Mmm, tasty! Salmon salad? Well turns out to be more than just a meal!

This super fatty acid is a wonder worker, plays an important role in our brain function…(got to eat more fish then). More on the brain, there is a high concentration of Omega 3 in the brain which helps with memory, performance, and behavioral function. If not enough Omega 3 is consumed while pregnant the baby may be at risk of developing nerve and vision problems later on in life, so even more reason to eat more of this Omega 3 fatty acid. This fatty acid also reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, inflammation, and even arthritis. Wow, a healthy heart, healthy body and a healthy mind.

It’s important to have Omega 3 to balance the Omega 6 fatty acid. While Omega 6 tends to promote inflammation, Omega 3 works to reduce it. A typical diet tends to contain 15-25 times more Omega 6 then Omega 3. So you see why its so important to eat the foods that contain this super fatty acid?

Some of us don’t eat fish, so nothing to worry about, taking supplements will still provide the fatty acid, just make sure that if we aren’t eating fish we are at least taking those supplements!Would be best to consult your doctor first so see which supplement would be appropriate.

Dry and itchy skin, fatigue, memory loss, mood swings and poor circulation are some of the symptoms of Omega 3 deficiency. Getting a general check up at the doctor is highly suggested!

So here’s to heart healthy meals! I think this means a good recipe with fish is in order? Ok coming up! PS – when having breakfast in the morning, have some flaxseeds in your porridge, this is tasty and well, turns out to be more beneficial! – if not having porridge try drizzling flaxseed oil over a salad!