A single positive step toward better health

A single positive step toward better health

Most of us don’t consume enough long chain omega-3s. Correcting that simple fact could be the single most positive step we can make towards better health.

With over 12,500 research articles highlighting the positive health benefits of long chain omega-3s, the international research community has nominated 3 March 2010 as the inaugural World Omega-3 Awareness Day.

Professor Andrew Sinclair, Chair in Human Nutrition, Deakin University said recent warnings over the potential for low intakes of long chain omega-3s to place children at risk of heart disease in later life and learning and behavioral difficulties, were a real wakeup call for consumers.

Prof Sinclair said the Awareness Day was a good chance to look at the health benefits of this essential nutrient and to consider simple dietary changes that could make a big difference over the long term.

“The easiest way to add more long chain omega-3s is to include oily fish (such as salmon, fresh or canned and canned sardines) 2 times a week in the diet or other fish and seafood at least 3 times a week. Lean red meat and eggs provide smaller amounts and there are also foods fortified with long chain omega-3s and fish oil supplements.”

While the research highlights many health benefits, the following are ten good reasons why you should increase long chain omega-3s in your diet.

1. Keep your mind sharp
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The long chain omega-3, DHA is known to be crucial during pregnancy to help develop healthy brains. Research now suggests it may be important in helping reduce dementia as we get older.

2. Improve your mood
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Feeling out of sorts or depressed. Diet can have an impact, with studies showing a relationship between low levels of long chain omega-3s and an increased risk of depression, irritability, aggression and impulsivity.

3. Lower your risk of heart disease
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Cardiovascular disease remains one of the world’s biggest killers. Long chain omega-3s can help lower the risk of heart disease and the risk of first heart attack, helping to keep you from becoming another statistic. The Heart Foundation recommends 500mg daily of omega-3s, DHA & EPA to lower risk of heart disease.

Help healthy eye sight

Good eye sight is something many of us take for granted and yet as we grow older we run the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which can lead to vision loss and even blindness. Just two serves of fish per week is recommended to lower the risk of development and progression of AMD.

4. Walk further on your way to improved health
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Supplementing the diet of patients with long chain omega-3s suffering from problems with blood flow in the arteries of the legs, significantly improved the distance walked without pain.

5. Part of a healthy weight loss diet
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Long chain omega-3s are ‘healthy oils’ and research has shown that including fish oil rich in these omega-3s in a diet program along with exercise may reduce body fat with no significant change in lean tissue.

6. Reduce inflammation
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Suffering from arthritis or chronic muscular pain? Experts recommend around 3g of long chain omega-3s per day (DHA & EPA) as an effective pain relief for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

7. Give children a great start to life
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Long chain omega-3s are important for an infant’s brain, eyesight and nervous system development and are derived from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding. At least 200mg of omega-3 DHA is recommended daily in pregnancy. A great start for the upcoming addition to any family.

8. Smart food for teens

The long chain omega-3, DHA is a building block for the brain and has important functions in the nervous system. Yet, research indicates that children consume little fish which is reflected in low intakes of long chain omega-3s and DHA. Teens over 14 years need to aim for an optimal intake of around 500mg per day.

9. Keep kids healthy

Ensuring long-chain omega-3 needs are met in the diet is a great way of maintaining general well being. Recent research has highlighted that low levels of these omega-3s are placing children at risk of heart disease in later life and learning and behavioral difficulties.

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of long-chain omega-3s and how to meet your daily needs, please visit the Omega-3 Centre website at www.omega-3centre.com

ENDS

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