Little Known Ways to Increase Your Omega-3 Intake
Have you tried to increase your omega-3 intake only to discover you could not stomach eating fish all the time? Or how about fish oil capsules? Did they leave you with a "fishy" aftertaste you couldn't tolerate? Yes? You need to learn about three little known oils that give you all the omega-3 you need for optimum health benefits.
Evening primrose oil
You have heard of this oil, but don't have a clue what it is or what it can do for you. Evening primrose oil contains a high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it's a native plant in North America, and look no further for one of the essential fatty acids found in omega-3.
Primrose oil capsules are made with oil extracted from the seeds of the plant. Many doctors and patients use this oil to treat eczema and help reduce inflammation. As an anti-inflammatory, it is a common way to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
According to researchers at the University of Maryland, evening primrose oil may have modest benefits for eczema and rheumatoid arthritis and breast pain can benefit. Well tolerated by most people, this oil has mild side effects, which may include gastrointestinal upset and headache.
Cod liver oil
Considered an "old-fashioned" treatment, most everyone has heard of cod liver oil. The old-fashioned" status causes it to be overlooked in today's world of plentiful and "latest-greatest" supplements. If you disregard cod liver oil because it is old-fashioned, you need to take a second look. This oil contains not only provides 100,000 IU of vitamin A and 10,000 IU of vitamin D, it also contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Cod liver oil contains 7% of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. EPA helps the body deal with inflammation and DHA helps development and function of the brain and nervous system.
What makes cod liver oil different is the fact that it is high in elongated omega-3. Eating a diet high in fish will not give you the benefits of the elongated omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil. One-half teaspoon of cod liver oil provides the same amount of elongated omega-3 found in 12 -- 1,000 mg fish oil capsules.
Most diseases respond well to cod liver oil. Cod liver oil provides Vitamin D that helps build strong bones in children and helps prevent osteoporosis in adults. It is also very important in brain and nervous system development and treating learning disorders.
Flaxseed oil
Grown on the Western Canadian Prairies, flaxseed oil comes from a blue flowering plant. Recommended for general well being, flaxseed oil is regarded as nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids.
This oil contains B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc. It also has 50% more omega-3 than fish oil. Flaxseed oil benefits the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system and is an anti-inflammatory, which makes joints happy.
Safely take up to 30 grams of flaxseed oil per day without side effects. Either choose to take capsules of 1000 mg, three times per day or you can add flax seeds to your breads, muffins and salads.
Guidelines for buying oils
Oils tend to spoil rapidly so be aware of this when you are buying them. Look for capsules that are dark coated soft gels or liquid in dark colored glass to keep the light out. It is best to refrigerate the oils to extend their shelf life.
To reap the benefits of oils that are high in omega-3, you need to give them time to work. Do not take the oils expecting to feel immediately better. Depending on your level of health, it could take days to weeks to notice the benefits. Take the oils for at least six weeks to get the benefits of boosting your omega-3 levels.
