You need Omega-3s

Do you eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel or sardines at least three times every week? Do you take an omega-3 supplement? If not, you are likely not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids and this is a big deal.

Omega-3s are nutrients found in a variety of foods that are essential to health. Let me repeat that, omega-3s are essential to your health – heart health, brain health, digestive health, joint health, immune health.

In fact, they are key to the structure of every cell wall in your body. And, unlike other nutrients that your body can manufacture, omega-3s must be consumed in the diet. Bottom line, if you’re not eating fatty fish about three times each week, or regularly consuming vegetarian sources like walnuts, hemp seeds, and chia seeds, you are likely preventing your body from being optimally healthy.

One quick note about vegetarian sources: generally, the omega-3s from fish (DHA and EPA) more directly enhance your health than those from vegetarian sources. For example, the omega-3s found in walnuts are called ALA. To be used, your body must convert ALA into DHA and EPA. However, this process is highly inefficient making a direct source of DHA and EPA is preferred (more on this below).

The good news is omega-3 supplements are plentiful these days. The bad news is, they are so widely available, it’s hard to tell a high-quality, effective product from a rancid, high-heat processed product.

If you’re looking for a pure, high-quality fish oil supplement, three brands I really like are Vital Choice Health Store Omega-3 Fish Oil, New Chapter’s Wholemega and Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega. At Vital Choice, we even offer an enteric coated product that minimizes fish ‘burp-back’, a common complaint.

But what if you’re vegan or would like to avoid fish? There’s good news. There are some relatively new vegan options that provide DHA and EPA from algae as opposed to fish. Two great products are Nordic Natural’s Algae Omega and New Chapter’s Vegan Omega3.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.