23 May Boost Your Well-being with Omega-3s!

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for overall health and well-being. They play a crucial role in brain function, eye health, immune system support, heart health, and mood regulation. You can get omega-3s from seafood and fish-derived supplements, as well as plant-based food sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and algae-based supplements. Omega-3s are crucial for all ages and are especially important in the development of babies and children. 

What are omega 3s?

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are important for overall health. Our bodies cannot produce them on their own so we need to get them from our diet or through supplements. Omega-3s are known for their various health benefits, including heart, brain, eye, joint and skin health as well as immune system, mood and mental health support.

Plant-based sources of omega-3s

Various seeds, nuts, vegetables, and algae-based oils are excellent plant-based sources of Omega-3s. These are great options for sustainability, vegan lifestyles, food allergies or cultural considerations that may preclude fish-based omega-3s.

Balancing your omegas

Omega-3s, omega-6s, and omega-9s are all types of fatty acids that play important roles in our overall health. Balancing these fatty acids is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Aim to increase your intake of omega-3s that are linked to brain and heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties. Alternatively, Omega-6 intake should be limited. These are found in vegetable oils such as soybean oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil. While Omega-6 is also an essential fatty acid, in large amounts it can promote inflammation in the body. Finally, omega-9s are also good for heart health but your body can produce them on its own so you only need to supplement in moderation. You can get omega-9s in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.

The importance of omega-3s for babies & kids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the growth and development of babies and children as well as during pregnancy. They’re important for brain development, eye health, immune function, heart health, behaviour and mood, and overall growth and development. Omega-3s can be found in various foods including fish and eggs as well as supplements formulated specifically for infants and children.