The surprising benefits of omega oils
Today’s eating habits are more and more calorific. Biscuits, chips, carbohydrates, starchy and highly processed food has overwhelmed our diet. This food intake often lacks omega oil, a fatty acid which has a predominant place in a healthy body. Omega oils help everything from the skin to the brain and even the respiratory system. What are the most important types of omega oils and where do I find them? Omega 3, 6 and 9 are three fatty acids that play a vital role in our health and wellbeing. We naturally produce a small amount of omega 9 but the other two we have to consume, either through food or via supplements. Omega-3 is the best known and is essential in the brain function and helps fight against serious diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and digestive conditions. Find omega 3 in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, but also in grains like chia seeds, in avocados, green leafy vegetables and walnuts. Omega-6 works in partnership with omega-3 but our bodies need twice as much of omega 6. Modern diets of high calorie foods make it very difficult to access enough omega 6 but the following foods can help; seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower and flaxseeds, also grains and green leafy vegetables such as lettuce and broccoli. Oils like sesame and olive oil are also rich in omega 6. Omega-9 may be a non-essential fatty acid but is needed particularly when you do not have enough of omega 3 and omega 6. It helps to support healthy, balanced cholesterol levels, improves the immune system, strengthen protection against cancer and helps reduce the risk of heart attacks. Omega-9 is naturally produced by the body but eating avocados, pecans, almonds and Macadamias can help boost omega 9 levels. New studies underline the power of omega oils Many of us know that omega oils (especially omega 3) are good for your health including the joints, brain and heart. But that's more to these amazing oils. New studies showed that it also helps:
- To soothe the skin – omega-3 has anti-inflammatory properties that help to ease and reduce psoriasis and eczema.
- To boost the memory – omega oils contain elements helping cells to better communicate with each other.
- To lower blood pressure – this is one of the main reasons we use omega oils to reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. It helps blood vessels to dilate and so reduce the blood pressure in the heart area.