Fats are a vital component to every healthy body. Whatever diet you adhere to whether it be paleo, vegan, vegetarian, keto – fats are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of your organism because they are critical to several essential functions in our bodies. This makes the Omegas a must-have for any healthy diet.
Omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) essential for good health. They provide innumerable benefits to the hair and skin, respiratory, reproductive and circulatory system, and the brain. You can usually find them in a liquid form, like oils—olive oils, plant oils, seed oils, etc., contrary to saturated fats, which are solid and come from animals, like butter or bacon.
The human body needs 20 amino acids to function properly. Think of amino acids like building blocks that help to build muscle, tissues, and organs inside you. Of these 20 must-have amino acids, your body can make 12 by itself – the other 8 need to be obtained from your diet.
Oily fish (like salmon and anchovies), green leafy vegetables (like kale and spinach), avocados, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, hempseed oil, chia seed oil, walnut oil are all magnificent sources of Omega 3. Studies have shown that a fish-rich diet considerably reduces triglycerides in the blood and prevents the arteries from being clogged. Omega 3 particularly has been proven to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, and improve cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Where you can find Omega 3, 6 or 9?
Omega 3 can help prevent and treat depression and anxiety, improve eye health, fight inflammation and auto-immune diseases, improve mental disorders and help fight age-related mental decline and Alzheimers. It can also help reduce fat in your liver and improve bone and joint health. Your skin can also benefit immensely from Omega 3 as it helps keep your skin healthy, preventing premature aging and protecting against sun damage.
Oils obtained from flaxseed, grapeseed, hempseed, assorted vegetables, and safflower provide Omega 6 to your system which contributes to brain development and healthy reproduction. It is also used for reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering total cholesterol levels, lowering “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels, raising “good” (HDL) cholesterol levels, and reducing cancer risk.
Omega 9 can be found in extra virgin olive oil, olives, avocado, and nuts (like cashews, almonds and pecans). Unlike omega 3 and 6, this omega can be produced by our body naturally from the consumption of the other Omegas. This fatty acid reduces cholesterol and strengthens the immune system. However, if there is not enough omega 3 and 6 in your diet, a less amount of omega 9 will be produced by your body.
Omegas need not only be ingested. They can be applied topically to provide moisturization, making your skin healthier, smoother and more supple.
Adding Omegas to your diet is extremely important. Supplements such as Nopalina can ensure your organism gets the required amounts to stay fit and healthy.
