If you’re a regular reader of our articles, we’re sure you have noticed how encouraging we are around including essential Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet to benefit your overall health. While you might feel well versed in the area, your Omega-3 levels really are one of the most essential nutrients to prioritise – for the many benefits, and also because most people have no idea how much they’re getting. Read on to understand why Omega-3 is so important and how you can get a better insight into how you’re tracking.

Why Omega-3 is the Good Fat

Omega-3 fatty acids are important in achieving optimal health for you and your family. Referred to as essential fats, or the 'good types of fat, we know we should be enjoying as many Omega-3 rich meals as possible – especially as the human body doesn’t produce any on its own. These tasty fatty acids support your heart health by keeping your heartbeat regular and your blood pressure normal. Omega-3 also normalises and regulates unhealthy cholesterol triglyceride levels, which is a blood fat linked to heart disease. If a happy and healthy heart isn’t enough, these fatty acids are also good for osteoarthritis, inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders.

Omega-3 for childhood learning and behaviour

Your child’s learning and behaviour could be impacted positively from an Omega-3 rich diet as well. Omega-3 oils help maintain healthy dopamine levels, increase nerve cell growth and even improve cerebral circulation in the brain – meaning your child’s brain is properly nurtured and supported to run at full capacity. Research has also found that children with attention deficit disorder (ADHD) or learning disabilities are more likely to have low Omega-3 levels. All the more reason to make sure you’re keeping intake high.

Where can you find Omega-3?

If you’re really wanting to pump up your Omega-3 levels, oily fish is your best option, especially fresh salmon and small fish like sardines and anchovies – however, any seafood is generally a great choice, so add it to your shopping list when you can. These animal-based choices, while primarily oily fish, contain the EPA and DHA varieties of Omega-3, which have more potent health benefits overall. As a vital requirement for how our bodies function, especially in the brain and eyes, we’re best to include high levels of these EPA and DHA Omega-3 varieties to ensure we’re making the most of our intake.

Vegetarian Sources of Omega-3

Alternatively, especially for vegetarian and vegan diets, flaxseed, chia and hemp oils are also great sources. They have Omega-3 containing ALA, which your body then converts into EPA and DHA. While your body can’t convert all plant-based ALA to EPA and DHA, (meaning the beneficial impact isn’t as strong), including these ALA Omega-3s in your diet will still help you boost your levels overall. You can also opt for avocado, nuts, dark green veggies and beans – all of these are loaded with ALAs to help increase your intake and claim the benefits. If you’re not a fan of eating fish, you could try Good Health Red Super Krill. This will help to boost EPA and DHA Omega-3s and is a great choice to help bridge the gap between what you’re getting in your diet and what your body could do with thanks to the highly-absorbable phospholipid form of Omega-3.

A Balancing Act: Omega-3 vs Omega-6

Like with most things, moderation is key for your overall wellbeing and health. This is the same with Omega-3 and Omega-6. Today’s diet contains far more Omega-6 fats and very low Omega-3 levels. Omega-6 is primarily sourced from corn, soy, canola, safflower, and sunflower oils. These are overabundant in the typical modern diet, which explains the excess most of us have in our Omega-6 levels. Many scientists believe Omega-3-Omega-6 imbalance is a key link to the high incidence of many conditions we see today, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, premature aging, inflammatory diseases and some cancer forms. Cover your bases and include a daily supplement of Omega-3 to help even things out.

Are you getting enough?

Most people not only need more Omega-3, but they also have no idea they do. The more understanding you have of your personal Omega-3 index, the better your family’s health and wellbeing will be because of it. These Omega-3 fatty acids are important for all systems of your body to function at their best, including your skin, heart, brain and organs. Whether it’s serving more fresh fish, or taking a daily supplement, you can’t go wrong with a generous helping of Omega-3.

Mr Vitamins recommends

Good Health Omega-3 Fish Oil and Super Krill Oil

• Omega 3 Fish Oil
• Super Red Krill

Find out more and shop online for Good Health Omega-3 product above