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The Importance of Omega 3 Fatty Acids When Trying to Lose Weight

Fats are usually avoided when people are trying to lose weight, because low fat diets are preached by doctors and endorsed by magazines. All sorts of food companies are taking advantage of the hype and offering low fat alternatives. Truth be told, not all fats are bad for you and your body needs certain fats. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to the human body and can promote weight loss of taken properly.

Trans fats found in vegetable oils, shortenings, and margarines are not healthy and should be avoided completely. Trans fats stick to the sides of arteries and reduce the surface area in which blood can flow. This is detrimental to cardiovascular health and can cause death. Omega 3 fatty acids though, are good for you. They are fats that the body needs for many functions, from cleaning the arteries and veins to regulating mood. Unfortunately the body cannot produce them - therefore it relies on us to supply omega 3's in our diet.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA ), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the three types of omega 3's. ALA is consumed, then broken down into EPA and DHA. Unconverted ALA is useless to the body, but when changed into the other two types it is invaluable to bodily functions. Since environmental factors such as pollution, stress, illnesses, etc., inhibit the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA, the role of supplements have become increasingly important.

Omega 3 fatty acids help the body improve mood, increase cognitive thinking, enhance memory, and battle fatigue. They also are important in reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and sudden cardiac death. Omega 3's help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and also assist in weight loss. Make sure you receive your weekly recommended intake of omega 3 fatty acids to reduce your risk of devastating health conditions.

Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in many foods. The most well known sources are fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. Be sure to buy fish that is guaranteed mercury free. The recommended amount of fish intake is two servings each week of fish. Vegetarians can get their weekly allowance by eating spinach, nuts, seeds, and flaxseed oil. For those people who have a hard time consuming those foods, there are dietary supplements available at most drug stores.

Obesity is affected by omega 3 fatty acids also. Make sure you consume the proper amount of omega 3's with the right foods to optimize weight loss and fat burning. There are certain foods omega 3's will work with to increase the loss of excess fat. Learning how omega 3's work on the body can decrease fat stores and give you more energy. Serious about dropping pounds? Learn more on omega 3 fatty acids.

***Jonni's New Breakthrough Diet is Based on Locally-Grown, Super-Nutritious Foods that Stop Food Cravings and Power-Up Your Metabolism. Discover How These Natural Foods Can Help You Lose Weight and Safeguard Your Family's Health. To learn more, visit our home page.

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