Getting More Essential Acids
You’ve probably heard about essential acids, sometimes called fatty acids or Omega acids. These essential fatty acids include Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9. What makes these fatty acids so essential? The reason is that the human body can’t make enough of them to function, so we have to get them from foods or supplements.
What They Do
These acids are essential to create cell membranes. They’re also used in synthesizing the hormones melanin, lecithin, and prostaglandin—in fact, they regulate the amount of prostaglandin. They help keep cholesterol and triglyceride levels low. They also assist in cleaning blockages from arteries, keeping arterial blood pressure normal, and reduce the formation of blood clots. Research shows that Omega 9 may also help reduce insulin resistance, which helps the body maintain proper blood sugar levels.
As you can see, without these essential fatty acids, the body would no longer be in balance and would have a host of different issues. Fortunately, these fatty acids are somewhat easy to get.
What They Do
While you can get Omega 3 fats from both animals and plants, they’re not the same. The ones that come from animals, including fish, are docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. These two acids are why fish oil and Omega 3 fats are said to be very, very good for the heart.
There are a number of other things that omega 3 fats can do for the body. They can help with the stiffness and the joint pain that comes with rheumatoid arthritis. Omega 3 fatty acids may make anti-inflammatory medication more effective. They lower triglyceride levels, which in turn lowers the risk of heart disease. They may help improve lung functions and make it easier for people with asthma to breath.
Studies have shown that omega 3 fats may help cope with ADHD and reduce its symptoms, and they may also assist with memory and critical thinking skills. They may help protect the elderly from developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. Omega 3 fats have been show to help combat depression and boost the potency of some antidepressant medications.
How to Get Them
The food richest in these fats is fish. Most cold water fish, including mackerel, herring, and salmon, are very high in Omega 3 and Omega 6. If you don’t like fish, fortunately there are some other options for you.
Grass is actually a high source of these essential acids. No, that doesn’t mean you need to go out and start eating your yard! But it does mean that grass-fed beef contains these acids.
Edamame, which is often eaten with sushi, is another good source of Omega-3’s. They make a great snack, too, because they contain both protein and fiber.
Flaxseed oil and olive oil both contain essential acids, so be sure to use them for cooking instead of other types of oils.
Don’t forget eggs, walnuts, dark green vegetables like spinach and kale, and whole grain foods!
You may also want to start taking an acai berry supplement. Research has shown that a supplement such as the acai berry may be able to provide you with a number of benefits.
You can buy the best organic acai berry products here.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases.