The typical American diet is abundant in fat, and this is a well-known fact at this point! According to USDA, 641 calories daily of added fat were “average daily calories” in 2008.
Credit:waytosteelhealthy.com |
With such a large amount it would be more than easy to assume the daily omega 3 requirements is reached within that. However, it isn’t. Most of us are deficient in this nutrient with a wide range of negative health effects.
Here are 6 ways your health could be suffering due to an Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency
1. Obesity
- Omega-3 fats increase cell activity, meaning that they are of utmost importance for cell metabolism.
- Anyone whose diet is deficient in omega-3 fats is likely to have a slowed metabolism, which in turn leads to excess weight gain.
2. Heart Disease
- Up to 40 percent of deaths caused by heart disease is due to high LDL cholesterol levels.
- The good news is that adding omega-3 fats to your daily diet helps reduce them, which lowers the risk of sudden cardiac failure.
3. Eczema
- Eczema is a type of rash which is often attributed to omega 3 deficiency.
- One study has found that this condition can be improved by up to 23 percent by supplementing omega 3 fatty acid DHA.
- Omega 3 supplementation helps by reducing inflammation.
4. Arthritis
- Omega 3 fats are potent inflammation fighters.
- They are capable of reducing swelling between joints which is common in those suffering from arthritis.
- Taking omega 3 supplements reduces joint stiffness and tenderness, which means that arthritis patients may be able to take far fewer pain medications simply by adding this alternative.
- Another study has found that omega 3 fats are effective in fighting cartilage destruction caused by osteoarthritis.
5. Depression
- In countries with high omega-3 intake, cases of depression are lower by up to 60 percent.
- Serotonin is responsible for one`s sense of happiness.
- Interestingly, one of the key components of this important neurotransmitter is omega-3 fats.
6. Learning disabilities
- Given that up to 60 percent of the brain is made up of omega 3 fatty acids, it`s no wonder that they are more than necessary for its proper function.
- If not enough is consumed the myelin sheath which surrounds the nerve cells might deplete, so the messages being sent through the brain will be slowed down or stopped.
- Multiple studies have found a link between higher omega 3 intake and reduced learning disability symptoms like ADD.
- The good news is that this nutrient can be found in numerous foods. According to one source,
- “There are three types of omega-3’s: alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid.
- HA and EPA are the most studied for health benefits and are found in seafood like tuna, sardines, herring, salmon, swordfish, and anchovies.
- It is also found as a vegan sea source in algae. ALA is a source of omega 3’s found in plant sources, such as flaxseed and walnuts.”
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