Omega-3 Fatty Acids: How to Get the Best Health Benefits

Studies have proven that omega-3 fatty acids help improve almost every aspect of your health, so it's no wonder it's recommended as the must-take supplement. There is one catch to deriving the best health benefits that omega-3 fatty acids have to offer; the omega-3's have to be coming from the best and most powerful sources. These tips will help ensure you are getting top quality omega-3 fatty acids from the best sources.

Buy Name Brand Fish Oil Supplement

A bargain is not a bargain if it doesn't work, that includes low-cost, generic or store brand supplements. Some fish oil supplements from obscure companies may even contain harmful mercury. For the sake of safety and buying the best, stick with brand name fish oil supplements (Nature Made, TwinLab, CVS, etc.) which are easy to find in your local pharmacy. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist if it's a top quality fish oil supplement. Between 1,000 and 3,000 mgs of fish oil is needed daily to derive the best health benefits. Less than 1,000 mgs will not deliver all the benefits and over 3,000 mgs thins the blood.

Get Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Fish

You can skip taking a fish oil supplement and get omega-3 fatty acids directly from fish. Eating fish that are rich in omega-3 fats twice per week will provide your body with a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, swordfish, sardines and shrimp are the seafood choices which provide the best health benefits, but even canned tuna and frozen fish sticks deliver a modest dose (around 650 mgs) of omega-3.

Studies have shown that drinking a four ounce glass of wine daily, along with eating an omega-3 fat-rich fish twice a week significantly increases the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.

Walnuts, Wheat Germ and Flaxseed

Many nut varieties contain omega-3s, but walnuts provide the best health benefits. Walnuts are rich in alphalinolenic acid, which is an acid you body uses to make it's own omega-3 fats. Just four walnuts per day provides your body all it needs to manufacture it's own healthy omega-3 fats.

If you are allergic to nuts, wheat germ or flaxseed can provide the body with the same health perks as walnuts. Two or three tablespoons of wheat germ or ground flaxseed does the trick. Wheat germ or ground flaxseed makes a great topping for salads, yogurt or oatmeal.

Sources: Facts About Omega-3s

Healthy Omega-3s