Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most elusive nutrients in the typical Western diet, and one that many people miss out on getting enough of. Unlike omega-6, omega-3 is not found in many commonly consumed foods, so most people have to be intentional about getting adequate amounts of this beneficial fatty acid. Gaining a clear understanding of the importance of omega-3 fatty acid for adults and children alike can have a profound effect on your overall health. Here is what you need to know about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids and why you should be purposeful about consuming them regularly.
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat, a type of fat that the body is unable to make on its own. Because the body cannot produce omega-3, it is designated as “essential,” meaning that it must be obtained via the diet.
There are various unique types of omega-3 fatty acids, distinguished by their structure and size. The three most common types of omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Where to Find Omega-3 Fatty Acids
So if your body does not naturally produce these essential fatty acids, where can you find them? The best source of omega-3s are oily fish. Good choices include salmon, trout, mackerel, sea bass and sardines. You can also get minimal amounts of ALA by eating flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts and various plant oils. If you know that you are not likely to consume these food products, you would be wise to look into getting your omega-3 fatty acids through a high-quality dietary supplement.
The Difference Between Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
It is important that you do not confuse omega-3 fatty acids with their omega-6 counterparts. While both types of fatty acids deliver benefits to the body, there needs to be a proper balance between the two in order to reap optimal benefits. Similar to omega-3s, omega-6s are considered to be essential fatty acids.
Omega-6 fatty acids are found primarily in seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables, grains and vegetable oils. These fatty acids help to promote bone health, keep your metabolic system in check, encourage healthy skin and hair growth and much more.
Most Americans tend to consume an unhealthy ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids. While the optimal ratio would be somewhere between 1:1 and 4:1, ratios between 15:1 and 17:1 are more realistic when following a typical Western diet. This is primarily because Americans tend to consume large amounts of cooking oils and grains that contain omega-6 as opposed to eating more foods that boast a high amount of omega-3s.
Too much omega-6 intake is harmful, leading to excess amounts of inflammation in the body. The good news is that you can counteract this abundance of omega-6 by being mindful about consuming more anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
There is no shortage of benefits to getting an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Here are a few of the key benefits to consider.
Anti-inflammatory Agent
Sufficient amounts of omega-3s will act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Heart Health
In addition to boosting overall heart health, omega-3s work to regulate the body’s blood clotting function.
Thyroid Function
By regulating thyroid function, you will also enjoy a better metabolic response.
Mood Booster
Consuming just a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids can produce a meaningful positive effect on your mood. Not only will omega-3 naturally boost your emotional and mental health, but it can also improve sleep quality.
Bone Health
By positively affecting the calcium balance throughout your body as well as membrane function, adequate amounts of omega-3s will promote bone health.
Immune System Function
Taking in the right amount of omega-3 has also been shown to promote solid immune system function and gut health.
Signs You May be Deficient in Omega-3s
There are a number of signs that you can watch out for to determine if you may not be getting enough omega-3s in your diet. Many individuals diagnosed with depression determine that they are low in omega-3 intake. Some people first notice the deficiency when the health of their skin begins to deteriorate. Skin that unexplainably becomes dry or irritated could be a sign of an omega-3 deficiency.
In the same way omega-3 intake can promote healthy and hydrated skin, it also helps to keep your hair looking its best. Hair that suddenly appears dry or brittle may be the result of not getting enough omega-3 in your diet. This fatty acid also plays an important role in maintaining good eye health. One last telling symptom of an omega-3 deficiency is recurring joint pain or stiffness in the body.
While there is no specific test to measure the levels of omega-3s in your body, your health care provider can look for clues in other lab results to try to determine if you need to increase your intake of this crucial fatty acid. Aside from including more omega-3 rich foods in your diet, taking a high-quality dietary supplement can help you get an adequate amount of omega-3’s, along with other important vitamins and minerals.