The Omega 3 Factor

The Omega 3 Factor – A Super Food Element From Within

We have heard many reports concerning the attributes that Omega 3's play in heart health.  Therefore, no discussion of the world’s healthiest foods would be complete without talking about Omega 3 fatty acids.  In addition, no diet would be complete without Omega 3 fatty acids.  These specific types of molecules play a vital role in our health and development throughout our entire life. Let’s take a closer look at these odd sounding nutrients to find out why they are so important.

Wellness Starts at the Top

First, let's try to understand a bit of brain science. The brain is made up of about sixty percent fat. This fat is found mainly within the membranes that surround the brain's nerve cells. The composition and chemistry of these membranes has a direct effect on chemical reactions in the brain. These chemical reactions are the brain's signals. Extensive studies have been conducted to analyze the Omega 3 fat influence on these brain signals.  It is believed that Omega 3 fatty acids promote better and faster transfer of signals in the brain. Great!  I guess that means Omega 3 fatty acids are good for you.  Let's see how.

When your brain signals are working well, your whole body benefits. Other than brain health itself, other health benefits related to Omega 3s have been discovered.  These GOOD fats are found to inhibit cancer cell growth, reduce inflammation throughout the body, prohibit excess clotting in the blood, and reduce the risk of obesity by stimulating a hormone called leptin.  Leptin helps regulate metabolism and body weight.

While there is some speculation about the true power of Omega 3s in treating or improving things like mental disorders, heart disease, and cancer, many researchers still claim there are significant benefits to consuming foods that contain these vital fats.

Looking for Omega 3s

If you live in Alaska, Taiwan, or Japan you may already be eating enough foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. These populations routinely consume fish that is fatty, in a good way. Diets that contain fatty fish continue to show better results with respect to less inflammatory ailments and less obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.

But, if you don't live in one of those areas, you can still find plenty of the Omega 3s you need.  These fatty acids are most prevalent in seafoods, with salmon, tuna, scallops, sardines, and trout being particularly rich. Other sources of Omega 3s are algae, krill, and shrimp, as well as certain nuts and seeds, like walnuts, hemp seeds and flaxseeds.

Other vegetables and spices like cloves, mustard seeds, cauliflower, collard greens, and cabbage are good sources for Omega 3s. Even certain berries, like strawberries and raspberries, provide at least some of the same healthy benefits.

Generally speaking, eating a healthy diet rich in green leafy vegetables, lean meats, seafood, as well as nuts, seeds and berries, will contribute to your overall health. This general guide just happens to include many foods that are naturally rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. That could be one of the simplest ways to supplement your good health!

Tips For Buying Seasonal Produce

Summer is such a great time of the year for many reasons. One of my number one reasons ~ fresh fruit and vegetables! There is always such an abundance of fresh, local fruit that is so mouthwatering. You just can't get enough. Once you get all these mouth - erful (can't think of anything that explains that wonderful mouthful feeling!) fruits and veggies home, how do you store them. According to Tom Lively, an Oregon-based peach grower there are a few tips to consider.

Berries: Toms says, refrigerate these immediately. That is unless you prefer to savor them at room temperature. Raspberries are typically the most fragile. Blueberries are the hardiest. So unless you plan on eating your raspberries right away, put them away. "If I was going to buy berries for the week, I would eat my raspberries first, strawberries second and blueberries third."

I'm not sure these would even last an hour at our house!

Stone Fruit: These would include peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots. When you are purchasing these fruits, make sure you test them gently for ripeness. Slightly press at the very top of the fruit, right by the stem. When you feel that little bit of a give in that area, then you will know it's ripe. If you prefer to purchase your fruit a little less ripe, you can ripen them in stages at home. Store half on the counter and the ripened half in the fridge.

If you want to ripen your stone fruits faster, try the paper bag method. Place your fruits (avocados as well) in a paper bag to trap the ethylene gas they naturally emit. Check them often because they can ripen fairly quickly. If you want to hasten the ripening even more, add a banana to the bag.

No matter what fruit you prefer, you will enjoy it more when it's kept safe and beautiful before you take that first sweet bite! Enjoy!