Omega3 Fat: Is It Good Or Is It Bad For You?
A lot has been written lately about fat and obesity, and with good reason. However, I would like to share some positive aspects with you about the fatty foods you eat that should not be ignored. There are different types of “good fats” known as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated that include the vital essential fatty acids including omega3 fat that is so crucial to brain function and for the heart to maintain proper circulation.
Foods that are found to be rich in omega3 fat are cold-water fish like sardines, herring, mackerel, and especially the hoki that is found around the waters near New Zealand. Other foods in the “good fats” category include nuts, sunflower seeds, avocados, olive oil and canola oil.
Fats are part of the basis of building cells, along with carbohydrates and proteins. Sixty per cent of the brain is fat, and the brain requires adequate levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in order to rebuild and maintain cells. DHA is a part of the omega3 fat found in fish oil.
This is such a vital fat our body needs but cannot produce itself so must be taken in by diet. Omega3 fat helps to lower triglycerides and to keep cholesterol at proper levels. Fat helps the body absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fat also helps protect our body from temperature extremes, and safeguards us from bumps and jolts.
Along with the positive aspects of the “good fats” we must still remember the dangers to our bodies if we take in large quantities of the “bad fats”. Saturated fats and trans-fats are the ones to stay away from and can negatively affect ones health and should be eaten in limited amounts. Saturated ones include animal products, dairy, and coconut oil. These will raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease, so should be eaten in moderation and with more healthful fats.
Trans-fats are produced in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. Another name for these is partially hydrogenated oils. Some foods in this classification are fried foods like french fries and donuts, pie crusts, stick margarine and shortening. Read packaging labels and try to avoid using this type as it raises your LDL (bad) cholesterol and lowers your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Eating these increases your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association suggests that your limit the amount you eat to less than 1% of your total daily calories.
One way of getting adequate amounts omega3 fat is by taking it in the form of a dietary fish oil supplement. I have found that the ester form of fish oil capsules is the most superior type as it is easily able to enter cell membranes allowing the body to use it instantly. I believe we will all feel the difference as we lead a much healthier lifestyle by eating the “good fats” and giving our bodies the essential fatty acids it needs to function properly.
To learn more about healthy living and how fish oil can benefit you, check out my web site listed in the bio section below.
Elizabeth Ruby is passionate about good health and is a firm believer in taking quality nutritional supplements. She has extensively researched Omega 3 fatty acids for optimal health. Check out her web site at to find out how she keeps her mind and body young and active, functioning fully with the help of Omega 3 Fish Oil. Article Source: