Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately, you’ve probably heard that Omega-3 essential fatty acids are important for heart health.
But you may be in for a surprise because recent evidence shows Omega-3s are even more impressive than we thought…
But the key is, you have to make sure you’re getting the right kind.
Here’s the scoop:
Heart attack prevention AND recovery
Studies have shown that getting sources of Omega-3 EFAs can lower your risk of a fatal heart attack by as much as 10 percent!
Their natural anti-inflammatory action helps counteract plaque buildup in your arteries and encourages smooth, healthy blood flow.
Well, the awesome work of Omega-3s doesn’t stop there…because when they are taken AFTER a heart attack, these fats can also significantly improve your chances of survival and help your heart heal from the trauma.
Animal vs. Plant sources—does it make a difference?
Although all Omega-3 fatty acids support your health in some way, the superstar here is Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In addition to heart health, DHA is absolutely vital for proper brain function—90 percent of the fat in your brain is DHA.
Animal-based EFAs (especially DHA and its partner EPA--Eicosapentaenoic Acid) also play a crucial role in your health in these ways:
- Mood regulation
- Healthy bones
- Prevention of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
- Reducing your risk of autoimmunity
- Protecting against cancers
- Protecting against arthritis
- Easing inflammation from Crohn’s and colitis
- Lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides
DHA and EPA are found in animal (marine) sources of Omega-3 fatty acids—specifically fish oils.
Now, there are also plant sources of Omega-3 fats such as flaxseed oil, nuts, and leafy greens. However, plants do not provide DHA and EPA—the primary plant-derived Omega-3 fat is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Although ALA serves as an energy source for your body, it does not provide the same health benefits as DHA and EPA.
Your body is capable of converting ALA into DHA and EPA; however, the conversion rate is typically VERY low—less than one percent. Therefore, if you only rely on plant-derived Omega-3s, you could be seriously jeopardizing your heart and brain health and more.
Get enough of the right kind!
In addition to incorporating more oily fish into your diet (be sure to choose only wild caught varieties!) the best way to ensure you have health supporting levels of EPA and DHA is to take a fish oil formula like VitalMega-3.
Every 2-capsule serving of Vitalmega-3 delivers a whopping 1,200 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, including 600 mg of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and 400 mg of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), which is in the optimal 3:2 ratio recommended by health experts to deliver the most benefits.
Get it and use it!
Getting sources of crucial nutrients is step one, but if your body is not absorbing those nutrients, they will be doing you little to no good.
A healthy gut environment is critical to nutrient absorption. Your nutrients are absorbed through the villi in your small intestine, but when your gut is plagued with harmful yeasts, bacteria and inflammation, your ability to take up nutrients may be greatly reduced.
To encourage sound gut health, be sure to incorporate lots of fresh vegetables and fermented foods into your diet, and take a top-notch full-spectrum probiotic formula like Super Shield.
Super Shield provides a wide-range blend of 13 of the most effective probiotic strains, at a gut-supporting 7.25 billion CFUs.
Since health experts recommend getting a variety of probiotic strains for optimal gut health, Super Shield contains a blend of both Bifidobacterium (which colonize in the large intestine) and Lactobacillus (which colonize in the small intestine)—so your entire microbiome is covered!
Put the power of Omega-3 essential fatty acids to work in supporting your great health, and make sure your gut can absorb ALL of the awesome nutrients you take in!
Your body will thank you handsomely.
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
