Absolutely Essential For Your Health

When you think of the word essential, most of us think that without you would die.  When it comes to using the word essential in the nutritional world, it does mean that but there is more to it.  The word essential in nutrition also means your body can't make it or convert it from something else.  For example Vitamin C is an essential vitamin.  Without Vitamin C you get Scurvy.  However, vitamin C is not an essential vitamin for a tiger.  Without vitamin C a tiger will get scurvy as well but they can eat meat and convert it to Vitamin C. 

Omega 3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids for humans.  The only way you can get them is by eating them.  The best source is is cold water oily fish such as salmon, cod, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines.  Other sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are free range grass fed beef, eggs, dairy from grass fed beef, green lipped mussels, krill oil and some plant seeds such as flax oil.  The problem with the plant seeds is that the omga 3 fatty acid is mostly ALA instead of the more beneficial DHA and EPA that is in the others. 

The amount of omega 3 fatty acids a person needs each day is about 1000 mg or 1 gram.  This really is not much.  Most servings of the fish listed will give you about 250- 1000mg, Salmon being the highest.  The other non fish sources will give you about half that at best.  The problem arises that most people are not eating these foods on a daily basis or even weekly. 

Research shows that omega 3 fatty acids help with cardiovascular function, neurological function, and joint health.  These three areas of health are very common areas of disease for many Americans.  What we are finding out is that many people do not have a disease but are really malnurished. 

The best way to get your omega 3 fatty acids is to eat them but if that is not enough, which for most of us it is not, then the next best step is to take a supplement.  This goes for baby's, children, and for adults. 

Another problem can arise from this and that is what is the best fish oil out there.  There is a lot of different companies selling them.  They have many different sources, amounts, processing methods, and costs.  Which is the best?  I would recommend staying away from the cheaper versions.  They are cheaper for a reason, they are of poor quality.  Some of the best brands out there are Standard Process, Nordic Naturals, Nature's Bounty, Nature Made, Sears and Green Pasture's.  All of which will run you about $25-$35/month. 

In my opinion Green Pasture is the best for adults.  It is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids.  Because it uses cod as it's source, it is also high in vitamin A and D.  It also contains a butter oil which has great health benefits.  To learn more go to http://www.greenpasture.org/public/Home/index.cfm

For children and babies, you can purchase Green Pastures in a liquid form and can be mixed into a smoothy for them.  Another great option is DHA Jr. by Nordic Naturals.  They are a chewable fish oil with the essence of Strawberry added.  My kids love them.  To learn more go to
http://www.nordicnaturals.com/en/Products/Product_Details/154/?ProdID=1

Putting the right fuel into our cars is essential.  The same is true for our bodies.  God designed our bodies and the food to support it.  Going without that food is not an option as you can see with so many Americans getting sick.  Many of our problems are do to malnutrition.  If you are not already taking an omega 3 fatty acid, start nourishing your body today!