Guest Blog: The Benefits Of Omega 3 For Women

Friday 19 April 2013

Photo courtesy of newthoughtgeneration.com

Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely important for your health. These fatty acids can be found in things like fish, leafy greens and chia seeds. They benefit our bodies greatly by helping to reduce the chances of disease and even improving brain function.

Many people are concerned about “fat” and therefore hesitant to add Omega 3s into their diets - but what they don’t realize is that these fats are actually beneficial for their bodies to ingest.

Regular Fat vs. Essential Fatty Acids

Photo courtesy of nutrasique.com

Our bodies cannot create essential fatty acids, or EFAs, on their own, which is why we need to consume foods with them or take a vitamin supplement. Some foods rich in EFAs include:

      Seafood - especially wild salmon and mackerel
      Eggs
      Walnuts
      Beans
      All types of cheese
      Edamame
      Flaxseed (also oil)
      Chia seeds
      Wild rice

Fatty acids help our entire immune system to function properly. They are digested by the body and used to coat the central nervous system and keep us from getting sick. Regular fat is not digested by our bodies, but rather stored.

This stored-up fat can eventually cause serious health problems - which is why a diet low in fat and high in Omega 3 fatty acids is highly recommended.

Photo courtesy of http://lindawagner.net

Quick tip: If you’re looking for a healthy way to add EFAs to your diet, consider making a “green” smoothie. Spinach, chia seeds, milk (any kind you like), ice and honey can be added into a blender and quickly mixed together for a ton of nutrients all at once!

Ways Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Benefit You

      Regulate emotions and mood
      Prevent heart disease
      Ward off diabetes
      Ease arthritis pain
      Lower hypertension
      Preserve heart and bone health in menopausal women

Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to prevent a wide variety of diseases because of their anti-inflammatory properties. This reduction of inflammation takes a lot of pressure off of your blood vessels which may prevent heart disease. They can also lower your blood pressure - and all these things combined reduce your chances of having a heart attack, especially if you have had cardiovascular issues before.

Besides that, they can prevent blood clots - especially in women who have used birth control for a long period of time. They also increase fertility levels if a woman is looking to get pregnant and can prevent the fetus from developing unwanted diseases while in the womb.

In menopausal women, these healthy fats reduce hot flashes and increase brain memory function. It also helps mood by helping the part of our brain that regulates emotions function more easily.

Omega-3s are a great natural way to help prevent and ease a lot of pain and illness in your life. Omega-3 fatty acids can help women of all ages. They are safe to take on a daily basis and can help your body function and perform to the best of its ability. It may even help you avoid that dreaded cold that comes around the office every couple of months.


Marcele De Vivo is a freelance writer in the Los Angeles area. She writes on everything from technology to travel, but as a mom of three she has a special interest in health & wellness topics. 


Disclaimer: This article is contributed by a Guest Blogger. Ping of Health does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. Ping of Health disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.