Likely you’ve heard about Omega-3 fatty acids, perhaps vaguely, and that they’re beneficial for your health. But what are they, how are they good for us, and how do we get them?
The body does not make this polyunsaturated fatty acid, yet it is a key player and essential to the health of every cell in our bodies. The body needs this nutrient to survive.
A deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids is common, and can show up in a variety of ways:
- hormone imbalance
- depression and/or anxiety
- brain fog
- cognitive decline in older adults
- fatigue
- sore joints and/or arthritis
- dry skin
- thin and breakable hair and nails
- constipation
- compromised immune system
- lowered metabolism
- difficulties with eyesight
- sleeping difficulties
- heightened seasonal allergies
The list is long (and not complete). You get the idea. Omega-3 deficiency is potentially very hard on the body.
How, then, can you get sufficient amounts of this nutrient? I’m glad you asked, because sources of Omega-3 are readily found through diet. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- fatty fish (salmon and salmon fish oil, bluefish, mackerel, sardines, herring)
- walnuts
- chia seeds
- Brazil nuts
- cashews
- hazelnuts
- flax seeds (and flax seed oil)
- hemp seeds
- egg yolks
- Brussels sprouts
- algae oil (I double-dog dare you)
Ladies, this is good news if you suffer from a slowed metabolism, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety or depression, sore joints, sleep difficulties – all common complaints for us “women of a certain age.”
It’s good news because consuming a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids might possibly be the missing puzzle piece explaining seemingly unrelated symptoms.
What about you?
What are your favorite ways to get Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet?
