Naturopathy & Nutrition

The Good Fats

Fats

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are essential for human health. Every single cell in your body needs these good fats to work optimally. Fish oil is a plentiful source of omega-3 fats, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which have many therapeutic benefits in your body. You can also obtain omega-3 from a variety of dietary sources; however the majority of people may not be able to effectively convert these fats into EPA and DHA.

Some factors that may reduce this conversion include:

  1. Diets that are high in sugar
  2. Alcohol
  3. Processed foods
  4. Smoking
  5. Pollution
  6. Stress
  7. Ageing
  8. Viral infections and other illnesses

It is well known how important fish oil is in the long term management of joint pain and arthritis, but did you realise there is extensive research demonstrating the benefits of EPA and DHA for a wide range of health conditions including:

  1.  Cardiovascular health: High blood pressure and high cholesterol as well as coronary artery disease.
  2. Brain development and cognitive functioning:
  3. In pregnancy to support neural development in infants.
  4. Children’s growth and development.
  5. Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and age-related cognitive decline.
  6. Mood disorders – depression, bipolar disorder.

To enjoy the therapeutic benefits of EPA and DHA, it is more effective to supplement with fish oil directly. Research validates the many benefits of fish oil for enhancing health and wellbeing.

The purity of the fish oil you take is extremely important. At Life Synergy we stock high quality fish oils that have been molecularly distilled; this process increases the purity of the fish oil. These fish oils undergo stringent quality testing to guarantee that purity exceeds Australian and international standards; with testing showing non- detectable levels of contaminants such as mercury, lead and cadmium. The oils are sourced from small pelagic fish and harvested using eco-friendly practices. These quality fish oils have the stamp of approval from ‘Friend of the Sea’ who independently certify the use of sustainable practices.

While you are taking a high quality fish oil supplement, it is also beneficial to include foods high in good fats as a part of a balanced diet:• Oily deep-sea fish e.g. salmon, tuna.• Nuts and seeds especially walnuts and flaxseeds/linseeds. • Avocados.• Beans e.g. soybeans, navy beans and kidney beans.