Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid (EFA) and one of the 90 Essential Nutrients recommended by Dr Wallach for optimal health. It’s essential because it’s needed for a wide-range of functions in the body and must be consumed in one’s diet. Omega-3 plays a vital role in brain function, normal growth and development, and helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, Omega-3 helps reduce inflammation; which helps lower ones risk for a variety of chronic diseases. In a country where so many individuals suffer from heart disease, cancer, and arthritis, consuming Omega-3 is becoming more and more vital.
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SUP-OPTIMAL LEVELS OF OMEGA-3S
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, found that 95.7% of a nationally-representative sample of Americans have sub-optimal levels of Omega-3s. The real concern here is that Americans are consuming extremely high levels of Omega-6 (polyunsaturated fatty acids) from unhealthy food sources such as vegetable oils. Although we need Omega-6 in our diets, as it is essential for a variety of functions, high levels of Omega-6 from unhealthy food sources are pro-inflammatory and can wreak havoc on your health.
A healthy 1:1 or even 2:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega 3 would be ideal. However, for 95% of Americans, this is simply not the case. Today’s modern diet ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is close to 20:1; meaning inflammation is highly elevated in most American diets. Consuming a diet from healthy sources of Omega 3 and Omega 6 is essential for optimal health.
Below are a few examples of ideal Omega-6 and Omega-3 food sources.
Omega-6: Avocados, nuts & seeds, eggs, grass-fed meat (including chicken and pork) and coconut oil.
Omega-3: Fish (wild-caught), fish oil, nuts, eggs, flaxseed, and other marine sources.
The Omega-6s that most Americans are consuming aren’t coming from healthy food sources. Below are a few examples of daily omega-6 consumption.
Unhealthy Omega-6: Vegetable oils (corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, safflower oil, etc.), salad dressings and mayonnaise, packaged snacks (chips, popcorn, food bars), fast-food (especially French fries), sweets (cookies, candies, pastries, cake, etc.).
A healthy 1:1 or even 2:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega 3 would be ideal. However, for 95% of Americans, this is simply not the case. Today’s modern diet ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is close to 20:1; meaning inflammation is highly elevated in most American diets. Consuming a diet from healthy sources of Omega 3 and Omega 6 is essential for optimal health.
Below are a few examples of ideal Omega-6 and Omega-3 food sources.
Omega-6: Avocados, nuts & seeds, eggs, grass-fed meat (including chicken and pork) and coconut oil.
Omega-3: Fish (wild-caught), fish oil, nuts, eggs, flaxseed, and other marine sources.
The Omega-6s that most Americans are consuming aren’t coming from healthy food sources. Below are a few examples of daily omega-6 consumption.
Unhealthy Omega-6: Vegetable oils (corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, safflower oil, etc.), salad dressings and mayonnaise, packaged snacks (chips, popcorn, food bars), fast-food (especially French fries), sweets (cookies, candies, pastries, cake, etc.).
RISK FACTORS OF LOW OMEGA-3 LEVELS
The current low levels of Omega-3 are putting many individuals at risk for a variety of chronic disease; the most prevalent being heart disease. It’s going to take more than just a few salmon filets and eggs to fix the current suboptimal Omega-3 level
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Janda, The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure any disease and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as information and knowledge from the research and experience of Dr. Janda. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.
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