Nothing Fishy About It
Natural Solutions|May 2017

Why you should take omega-3s, and the plantbased source that tops them all.

Jonny Bowden, PHD, CNS
Nothing Fishy About It

A lot of us take an omega-3 or fish oil supplement, but we’re not sure why. We’re bombarded with acronyms—GLA, EPA, DHA, SDA, ALA—and a plethora of potential sources. Should we take something from krill, flax, or salmon? How do plant-based options, such as those sourced from Ahiflower oil, compare? Are all plant based formulas the same? How sustainable are they?

Let’s start by understanding why we should be taking omega-3s, one of the most important nutrients you can get from food. Most people aren’t getting nearly enough of these ‘wonder molecules’.

To get the most health benefits from omega-3s, you first need to understand what they are, where they come from, and what they do for you. There are four important omega-3 fatty acids which tend to come from certain sources:

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): ALA is the only omega-3 that is considered biologically an ‘essential’ fatty acid simply because the body can’t make it on its own. You must get it from your diet. It’s found in flax, chia, and hemp as well as Ahiflower seed oil.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): EPA is one of the omega-3s found most abundantly in fish oil. It has anti inflammatory properties and has a direct effect on heart health.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): DHA is the other omega-3 found most abundantly in fish oil. Whereas EPA is known for its heart-health benefits, DHA is critical for the brain.

Stearidonic acid (SDA): This lesser known omega-3 is important because it is one of the only plant-based omega-3s that efficiently converts to EPA in the body. One of the best sources for SDA is Ahiflower oil, which is far more effective than other plant-based omega-3s at boosting EPA levels in the bloodstream.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2017 de Natural Solutions.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2017 de Natural Solutions.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE NATURAL SOLUTIONSVer todo
6 Steps To Overcome – Back-to-School Stress
Natural Solutions

6 Steps To Overcome – Back-to-School Stress

School is about to start up again, and for many kids a variety of emotions begin to surface—ranging from excitement to nervous anticipation to all-out dread and panic. Starting a new school year is about making new friends, meeting new teachers, buying new clothes and book bags, facing bullies, learning a new curriculum, and, of course, doing homework.

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2021
Calcium And Its Importance To Your Health
Natural Solutions

Calcium And Its Importance To Your Health

Calcium is very important for your health. In fact, you have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. It makes up much of your bones and teeth and plays a role in heart health, muscle function and nerve signaling

time-read
1 min  |
August 2021
Your Best summer skin ever
Natural Solutions

Your Best summer skin ever

Summer brings plenty of challenges for skin (hi, blazing sunshine and strong sea breezes). Thankfully, fresh, organic produce also ripens over the summer, and certain fruits and veggies can work some surprising wonders for your largest organ. Combine these foods with supplements that love your skin year-round, and you’ll have a solid skin health strategy

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2021
Proactive Health Tips to Help Navigate Year 2 of the Pandemic
Natural Solutions

Proactive Health Tips to Help Navigate Year 2 of the Pandemic

After months of unfamiliar restrictions and guidelines, pandemic fatigue is affecting how some Americans protect their health. However, experts warn that diligence is still extremely important because new mutations and variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are being discovered. The typical cold and flu season also brings added threats to people’s health and wellness.

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2021
THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE? Prioritize Fun
Natural Solutions

THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE? Prioritize Fun

This is a summer like no other, with life returning to normal after a year and a half of lockdowns and restrictions. If you’re feeling conflicted about stepping back into the “business as usual” rat race, you’re not alone. The stress and isolation of a global pandemic and social upheaval have led us to rethink our values and consider a reset. What do we do now? If you ask me, it’s time to dedicate ourselves to a very important pursuit –– having fun.

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2021
DO YOU HAVE ‘Happy' or ‘Unhappy Feet'?
Natural Solutions

DO YOU HAVE ‘Happy' or ‘Unhappy Feet'?

WHAT CONSTITUTES HAPPY FEET?

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2021
BIRDS in the MATTRESS
Natural Solutions

BIRDS in the MATTRESS

“Mrs. Walker is a nut. You need to do something with her,” I overheard the police officer say to my mother.

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2021
KRILL, Essential for Your Pet's Diet
Natural Solutions

KRILL, Essential for Your Pet's Diet

There is no question that pets are part of the family and they actually help improve the mental and physical health of their human companions. To the end, it’s important that we take care of our pets and put them on the best path to wellness just like we take care of our other family members.

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 2021
Imposter Syndrome
Natural Solutions

Imposter Syndrome

HOW YOU CAN OVERCOME

time-read
2 minutos  |
August 2021
Summer Fruits and Veggies That Can Help With BRAIN AND MENTAL HEALTH
Natural Solutions

Summer Fruits and Veggies That Can Help With BRAIN AND MENTAL HEALTH

We are now in the full swing of the dog days of summer! This means a lot more stress is being placed on the body to keep us cool and everything running efficiently as we go about our day. So what are some of the classic and not so classic summer foods that we can eat to keep our mental health balanced and brains happy?

time-read
1 min  |
August 2021