When people think of leading a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a fit physique, the F-word gets a bad rap. In reality, fat plays an important role in providing our body – and our mind – with the energy necessary for functioning at the optimal level.
The human brain is nearly 60 percent fat. Fatty acids are crucial for determining your brain’s integrity and ability to perform.
If our brains are not getting the proper amount of fat, we won’t have the focus and energy we need to be in the right frame of mind. In fact, research shows that people who have low omega-3 levels are at increased risk for brain dysfunctions. For this reason, Omnia Health always takes a close look at the levels of omega-3s (and omega-6s, omega-9s and saturated fats) in our patients.
The Importance Of An Omega-3 Index
The omega-3 index is a key factor when it comes to your mental health. It measures the percentage of red cell membrane, which tells us a lot about your well being. We want to see membranes that have the ability to transport the proper signals and nutrients. The alternative is a stiff membrane that isn’t very forgiving, which won’t bode well in the long haul.
- An optimal omega-3 index is 8% or higher
- An intermediate omega-3 index is between 4% and 8%
- A low omega-3 index is 4% and below.
We routinely see our patients coming in with an omega-3 index around 2. This is not surprising when you consider the fact that most Americans have an omega-3 index below 4 percent. They are likely not aware this puts them at a significantly higher risk for experiencing fatal health issues at a younger age. So the question is: What dietary changes do we need to make in order to get that number to where it needs to be?
Say Hello To Healthy Fats
People who have omega-3 index numbers below 4 percent are clearly not consuming enough healthy fat. If you’re looking for the gold standard of foods that are filled with healthy fats, add these items to your weekly grocery list.
- A pound of fresh cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and herrings)
- Avocados
- Olives
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
These nutrient dense foods provide healthy fats that are vital to our brain, our cells, and how those two parts of our bodies communicate.
The Facts About Fats
For decades, there have been rumors floating around that fat causes people to be fat. We’re here to bust that myth and to let you know that is NOT the case. Fats are packed with nutrients that help us to feel full, keep our blood levels in check, and give us the energy we need to power through our jam packed days.
Need more proof about the power of omega-3 fats? For those who have Type II Diabetes or insulin issues, the ONLY thing that has proven to be a match for high triglycerides is a significant dose of omega-3 fish oil.
The global fish oil market is expected to reach USD 5.42 Billion by 2026 as more consumers become aware of the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on human health.
As great as these supplements are, it’s better to get the proper dose of omega-3 from real food when possible. It’s like taking a Vitamin D pill every morning versus spending time out in the sun. The sunshine will be better absorbed. However, at the end of the day, taking a supplement is a better than nothing. The end goal should always be to get the nutrients and vitamins necessary for achieving optimum health. Trust us, your mind and body will thank you!
Advocate For Yourself And Your Health
For more relevant information and insight on how to improve your overall well being, follow us on Instagram or Facebook {omniahealthcolorado} or join our newsletter. Your brain is begging you to consume more healthy fats and to make the wise decision to get the conversation started with Omnia Health.
