Eating Our Way Toward Optimal Omega-3 Levels

Did you know that there is scientific evidence that consuming flaxseed oil as well as fish oil can improve muscle strength and mobility? There is also increased evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful in preventing heart disease, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, reducing inflammation, as well as supporting already healthy cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

Surprisingly 20 percent of Americans don't even have detectable traces of these important nutrients and the rest of us are crazy deficient. Our bodies do not produce omega-3s, so we have to count on what we eat daily to provide us with these essential fatty acids. What we choose to put in our mouths affects more than just our weight, and having a healthy mind as well as a healthy body may begin with adding an omega-3 supplement to your diet.

Would it surprise you to know that ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s in the typical American diet is actually anywhere from 10:1 to 20:1? The recommended ratio for omega-6s to omega-3s varies between 2:1 and 4:1, but clearly is significantly less than the average diet.

If we look at what we eat, it’s not hard to see why the levels of omegas in our diets are so out of whack. After all, vegetable oils such as soybean, safflower, sunflower, corn and cottonseed oil can be found in almost every food we eat, and the high omega-6 and low omega-3 fats profile in these oils can be as high as 200:1! Studies show that an out-of-balance diet high in omega-6s can disrupts the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory agents in the body, which then leads to chronic inflammation and severe health issues.

Balancing our omegas daily is one way to improve our health, but here are a few other ways to help make a positive difference in how you look and feel every single day:

1.) Limit or eliminate processed foods

2.) Read labels – know what you’re putting in your mouth before you eat it

3.) Supplement your diet with omega-3s like flaxseed oil or fish oil

4.) Choose coconut oil and olive oil over other oils high in omega-6s like corn oil and soybean oil

It all comes down to what we eat. Our bodies do not make omega-3 or omega-6 essential fatty acids, so what we put in our mouths dictates what kind of nutrition our bodies are getting. Don't wait until you have to make the change because of disease or discomfort. Be proactive and offensive with your healthcare and, trust me, you'll never regret being healthy