Health Benefits of Natural Omega-3
Filed under Information, Medical
There are many dietary supplements out in the market that can provide a high dosage of omega-3. These can take the forms of capsules of the most common source of omega-3, which is fish. They can also be formed from the extracts of plants, for those who cannot or do not wish to take seafood products. Of course, these are processed sources of omega-3, but nothing beats having pure, good, old-fashioned natural omega-3 sources.
As it is commonly known, omega-3 is found most commonly in fish and shellfish – generally in seafood. The recommended dosage of omega-3 differs per country, but is normally at around 3 grams per day. Any higher may cause the omega-3 to be harmful instead of helpful, so it is important to note which foods to eat in moderation in order to control your intake of omega-3.
The fish with the largest content of omega-3 is salmon, with one serving containing anywhere from 1.1 grams to 1.9 grams of the fatty acid. This is also the best source of omega-3, because fish oil contains Eicosapentaenoic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid, both known by scientists to be very beneficial for patients suffering from various cardiovascular diseases.
Another seafood that is high in omega-3 is the green-lipped mussel, and only recently have scientists discovered that krill is actually a good source of the fatty acid. Krill oil has been shown to be very similar to fish oil, but does not have enough of the dosage as you would find in fish oil.
One other good source of omega-3 is seal oil, though this is a very controversial source of the substance. Seal meats have been banned for use in several countries, namely the members of the European Union, but are a well recommended source of the supplement in Canada, as they even supplement the diets of children with seal oil.
There are also plants that have high doses of omega-3, but contain ALA rather than the more effective EPA or DHA. Some examples of these are flaxseed oil, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, spinach, soybeans and even nuts such as walnuts.
Even if you do not want to go through the processed and unnatural supplements available in the market, you could whip up a nice salad made with seafood, lettuce and some nice walnuts. You could even dress it with eggs, some shellfish on the side and you have a perfectly good source of natural omega-3 on your plate.
