Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Part of a Holistic Health LifestyleEating Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help to lower cholesterol, among other things. Omega-3 fatty acids are part of a holistic health lifestyle. Besides cleaning up the cholesterol and other fatty deposits, they reduce blood clotting, lower blood pressure and help to reduce damage done when blood supply is altered, such as with a stroke or heart attack. They encourage blood flow AND help to reduce the chances of having a circulatory problem in the blood. All and All- they're big, big helpers. Better yet, they come in foods that taste fantastic! Imagine this salmon cooked with a little olive oil (monounsaturated fat to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol) and fresh veggies!
A quick review of fats will help to shine the light on these interesting fatty acids. Animal products are usually high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Cholesterol is either made by the body or eaten in animal products. Where can we find cholesterol in our bodies? Nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) Blood It is used for make sex hormones and other hormones, vitamin D, and bile, which is required for adequate digestion. Liver (a very important organ located on your right side under your ribs) TIDBIT of information: It is possible to have a fatty liver. There's a diagnosis I wouldn't want. You can do something about it, though, and you are in the right place! So, cholesterol and fats are important, but there is something to be said for quality and quantity. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Click here to refresh your memory of FATS We know that eating too much animal fat can raise our cholesterol, but is there anything else we do that might also make it high?
Nutrients that help to lower cholesterol in the blood and arteries are lecithin, vitamins E and C. Where do you get these? First of all, always reach for whole foods first when choosing supplements. The nutrients of whole foods work together in a way that supplments cannot. However, supplements are better than nothing. Lecithin is found in most legumes (beans) especially soy beans. You can eat these steamed, boiled, in soy milk, soy sauce, soy sprouts and tofu. I love them. I ate a lot of these in Hawaii. Most beans, peas and lentils are good sources of lecithin. Adding the insides of peppers, the core of cabbage work together with vitamin C to strengthen blood vessel walls. You know many good sources of vitamin C, but did you know that cabbage, parsley, and bell peppers are also good sources? Well, they are! Omega 3 Fatty Acids are one part of a healthy diet. Click here to learn more! Alright, back to Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
TID BITS of INFO Spirulina and fish are helpful in cases of extreme malnutrition. One problem with malnutrition or failure to thrive is theat once the appetite is diminished, it is very difficult to get it going again. Spirulina and fish seems to help stimulate the appetite more than other remedies. Where can we get Omega-3 Fatty Acids? Salmon Mackerel Sardines Herring Anchovy Butterfish Tuna Rainbow Trout Alpha-Linolenic Acid is another Omega-3, but this one is found in plants. There are advantages to using vegetable oils because no animal had to die for it and it is generally more free of contaminants. High levels of pesticides and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) can be found in fish oils. You can find Alpha-Linolenic Acid in flax seed, chia seed, hemp seed, pumpkin seed, soybean, walnuts, kale, collards, chard, parlsey, and cereal grasses such as what and barley. All green foods contain alpha-linolenic acid. TID BITS of INFO Hard red winter wheat and cold-climate nuts, seeds, grains and legumes have more concentrated Omega-3s. This because plans that grow in cold climates have more concentrated Alpha-Linolenic Acid. Many of us don't consume enough Alpha-Linolenic Acid and other Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and yet they are so important. Supplementing Alpha-Linolenic Acid. I like to make smoothies with whey protein powder (soy), soy milk and lots of fresh or frozen fruits. I will even add some carrots. I add a shot of flax oil for a boost of Alpha-Linolenic Acid. One tablespoon of flax oil taken with meals once daily is adequate. Does the idea of smoothies appeal to you? I hope so! They're a great way to get those fruits and vegetables and other important nutrients in as whole foods. Smoothies are a great way to get antioxidants in your diet, also! Click on smoothie to learn more about smoothies and juices.
I know what you are thinking- what, you mean there are even more benefits? Well, yes, there are. They're not little benefits, either! They boost the immune system on a cellular level- at the very foundation, in other words. They make the cell membrane of healthy cells even stronger and at the same time destroy tumor cells. That's right- they help to destroy tumor cells! We can't live without them! Not only do they help prevent cancer and heart disease, they are also useful in AIDS, arthritis (both osteo and rheumatoid), kidney disease, ulcertaive colitis, depression, asthma, hives, psoriasis, enlarged prostate and migraine head-aches. An optimal holistic lifestyle is just one click away! Disclaimer: Material provided on Naturally-Holistic.net website is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Always take the advice of your doctor before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program. We will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information on this web site.
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