Omega-3 fatty acids are popular these days for a good reason. They're very healthy for you. Omega-3s offer plenty of health benefits when taken in the recommended amount, but how you get that omega-3 is very important, too. Here's what you should know about omega-3s, their benefits, and how to get it safely.
What It Is
Omega-3s are a type of fatty acid that is typically found in wild fish and certain plants, like flax. There are a few different types of fatty acids that fall under the omega-3 umbrella that you may have heard of. ALA, DHA, and EPA are the three main types of omega-3s, which can be found in varying foods.
How It Benefits You
Omega-3 is a powerful antioxidant. When free radicals are produced in the body, they can damage healthy cells and even lead to the development of cancer. However, omega-3s keep these free radicals in check.
Omega-3s are known to be anti-inflammatory, good for your heart, and have anti-cancer properties. But unfortunately, the average American diet is severely lacking in omega-3s. This is because most people located in the United States don't eat much fish and may be lacking in their consumption of other ways to get it, like certain nuts and seeds.
Where to Get It
Before you head out to buy a bunch of fish, you might want to think twice. Most fish is rich in omega-3s, but unfortunately, due to pollution, fish is often not safe to eat in large quantities. Many fish contain mercury, which is a heavy metal that the body can't get rid of and can lead to neurological problems, among other conditions. It's especially dangerous for children.
Sadly, that reduces or downright eliminates one of the most natural ways to consume omega-3. But that doesn't mean that you can't still easily add it to your diet. In fact, this way is probably the easiest method of getting omega-3s.
Instead of radically changing your diet, consider just picking up an omega-3 supplement. These small pills are packed with all types of omega-3 fatty acids, offering you all the health benefits without any of the dangers of mercury and other pollution that fish are exposed to. Omega-3 supplements are typically made out of things like flax and chia seeds, which means there's no fishy aftertaste and no threat of being exposed to mercury.
Adding omega-3 to your daily diet can help to boost your health and protect you from all sorts of illnesses. If you're not consuming much omega-3 naturally, consider adding a supplement to your day.
For further information, reach out to a medical health professional who can talk to you about omega-3 softgel supplements.