What are Omega 3's?

Omega 3 fatty acids are long-chained, polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are extremely important because our bodies do not have the enzymes necessary to create them and must obtain them from food:
ALA, (alpha) linolenic acid, is found primarily in dark green leafy vegetables and flaxseed.
EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, are found primarily in oily cold-water fish such as mackerel, herring, tuna, and salmon.

These three fatty acids are crucial to in the structure of our cell membranes and nervous system development. They also form the foundation for the synthesis of cell mediators, which play an important role in human physiology and can affect coagulation, inflammation and proliferation of certain cells. These have profound implications for heart disease, cancer, arthritis, allergies and other chronic diseases.

The Mediterranean diet has long been considered to be one of the healthiest ways of eating. Why? Along with a daily consumption of whole-grain breads, pasta, brown rice, seeds, nuts, olives, fruits and low-fat or non-fat dairy products, the diet also provides a significant source of Omega 3's, which has been proposed to be responsible for cardiovascular health and other inflammatory diseases.

Is Your Food Giving You Enough Omega 3?

Studies show that a consistent daily serving of Omega 3s effectively helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system as well as provides other health and wellness benefits. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences' recommended daily value of plant based Omega 3s (ALA) is between 1.1-1.6 g/day (our chart is based on 1.4 g/day). Fish based Omega 3s (EPA & DHA) recommendations range from 0.2-0.5 g/day (our chart is based on 0.5 g/day).





Flaxseed is one of nature's most nutrient rich grains due to its ALA content. The nutritional and nutraceutical benefits of flax have been the object of considerable medical and nutritional research for a wide range of human health conditions and disorders.





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