I fully realize that most of you reading this are not (& may not ever plan on being) pregnant. That's OK! :o) I ask that you would share this with young women you know who could benefit (along with their future children!) Thank you for doing so...
I'm writing this message as if talking to a young woman planning on having a child in the near future.
A quick review from the last blog: Omega 3 fatty acids are often referred to as essential fatty acids. They cannot be produced by your own body, but instead need to be obtained through essential foods.
It is known that Omega 3 actually plays a large role in the development and growth of your baby when it is in your uterus. Omega 3's helps to build the brain, form the retinas & develop the nervous system.
Studies are showing that infants born to mothers with higher blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at delivery had advanced levels of attention spans well into their second year of life. During the first six months of life, these infants were two months ahead of those babies whose mothers had lower DHA levels. How wonderful is that?
Omega 3 is also necessary for your own pregnancy to reduce your chances of developing preeclampsia, reduce your risk for postpartum depression & minimize the chance of preterm labor.
Omega 3 oils are especially important during the final trimester. It is during this time that your baby uses Omega-3 to form approximately 70% of his/her brain system, as well as the rest of his/her nervous system.
Omega 3's are found in oily fish like salmon, as well as non-aquatic sources like dark green vegetables, canola, sunflower, and flaxseed oils & walnuts.
Make sure that your Omega 3 supplements are not made from fish livers. The liver can contain high amounts of retinol vitamin A, which has been linked to birth defects.
It honestly is challenging to find good quality forms of Omega 3 supplements. I recommend (and personally take) a vegetable formulation, not made from fish oils.
Blessings on your health!
Sana
Showing posts with label Omega 3 fatty acids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Omega 3 fatty acids. Show all posts
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Omega 3's...Amazingly Powerful & Extremely Beneficial!
How about a 'Cliff Note' version of Omega 3's? A lot of information is out there, which can get confusing as we try & keep the 'alphabet soup' straight with EPA, DHA, ALA, Omega 3, Omega 6...XYZ!
What are they??
Omega 3's are one of the 'fatty acids' that are essential for maintaining optimal health. They are a type of unsaturated fats, or “good” fats. These fatty acids are not naturally produced by the body but can be derived from our diet. They provide structural & metabolic functions in the brain & retina (eye) & assist in overall cell function in the body, for starters. A deficiency in Omega 3's may play a role in accelerated cerebral (brain) aging.
What's the difference between Omega 3's & Omega 6's??
Omega 6 fatty acids are also essential for optimal health and are found in eggs, cereals, breads, poultry, processed foods, margarine & most vegetable oils. The average American's diet is typically too high in Omega 6's. Sixty years ago, the ratio of Omega 6's to Omega 3's was a healthy, balanced 1 to 2. That ratio today is 25 to 1 (Carcinogenesis, Sept.2005).
What are the best sources of Omega 3's??
Salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, albacore tuna, wild game, flaxseed, wheat germ, soybeans, walnuts, vegetable oils & green leafy vegetables.
What are the health benefits of regular intake of Omega 3's??
Reduced incidence of heart disease and strokes--lowered blood pressure & triglyceride levels--reduced incidence of depression, dementia & anxiety--prevention of migraines--prevention of diabetes complications--reduced cancer risk---anti-inflammatory effect, reduced stiffness and joint pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis--improved bone density--improved lung function in asthmatics--reduced the symptoms of ADHD in young children and improvement in children's cognitive development.
What to do?? :o)
Focusing on adding the great Omega 3 foods to our diet is a great place to start, although some types of fish have contaminants in them and should be avoided. You may want to consider a quality supplement as well. Supplements purchased in drug stores & grocery stores vary extremely in quality and may have toxins such as mercury in them.
My family & I take a vegetable source of Omega's---a scientifically balanced, pure formulation. Let me know if you would like me to pass on info about it to check out. Another great example of a Totally Safe, Effective, Easy way to build wellness into your life!
Be Well & Enjoy Each Day--
Sana
Labels: nutrition, Omega 3 fatty acids, wellness draft 9:33:00 AM by Sana
1 – 1 of 1
What are they??
Omega 3's are one of the 'fatty acids' that are essential for maintaining optimal health. They are a type of unsaturated fats, or “good” fats. These fatty acids are not naturally produced by the body but can be derived from our diet. They provide structural & metabolic functions in the brain & retina (eye) & assist in overall cell function in the body, for starters. A deficiency in Omega 3's may play a role in accelerated cerebral (brain) aging.
What's the difference between Omega 3's & Omega 6's??
Omega 6 fatty acids are also essential for optimal health and are found in eggs, cereals, breads, poultry, processed foods, margarine & most vegetable oils. The average American's diet is typically too high in Omega 6's. Sixty years ago, the ratio of Omega 6's to Omega 3's was a healthy, balanced 1 to 2. That ratio today is 25 to 1 (Carcinogenesis, Sept.2005).
What are the best sources of Omega 3's??
Salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, albacore tuna, wild game, flaxseed, wheat germ, soybeans, walnuts, vegetable oils & green leafy vegetables.
What are the health benefits of regular intake of Omega 3's??
Reduced incidence of heart disease and strokes--lowered blood pressure & triglyceride levels--reduced incidence of depression, dementia & anxiety--prevention of migraines--prevention of diabetes complications--reduced cancer risk---anti-inflammatory effect, reduced stiffness and joint pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis--improved bone density--improved lung function in asthmatics--reduced the symptoms of ADHD in young children and improvement in children's cognitive development.
What to do?? :o)
Focusing on adding the great Omega 3 foods to our diet is a great place to start, although some types of fish have contaminants in them and should be avoided. You may want to consider a quality supplement as well. Supplements purchased in drug stores & grocery stores vary extremely in quality and may have toxins such as mercury in them.
My family & I take a vegetable source of Omega's---a scientifically balanced, pure formulation. Let me know if you would like me to pass on info about it to check out. Another great example of a Totally Safe, Effective, Easy way to build wellness into your life!
Be Well & Enjoy Each Day--
Sana
Labels: nutrition, Omega 3 fatty acids, wellness draft 9:33:00 AM by Sana
1 – 1 of 1
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