Omega 3 SupplementsSince most people don't get enough omega 3s in their diet, it is worthwhile taking omega 3 supplements. Omega 3s are fatty acids that may be found in flax seeds, fish, soy products or their equivalent oils. This results in an imbalance between the two fatty acids. It has been estimated that our current intake of Omega 6 fatty acids compared to Omega 3 fatty acids has a ratio of 20:1, which is vastly different from the ideal ratio of 4:1. In order to overcome this imbalance, which results in an ‘inflammatory’ response in the body, simply take an Omega 3 supplement every day. It seems ironic that certain fats can actually assist weight loss, but omega 3 fatty acids (linolenic acid) have numerous beneficial effects in our body, including weight loss and muscle growth. As a result, Omega-3 fatty acids are fast becoming very popular supplements among health conscious people, including athletes and people wanting to lose weight. Combining flax seed oil or fish oil with a high-fibre diet may be very effective in achieving and sustaining long-term weight loss as well as optimum health. Omega-3 fatty acids have the following beneficial effects in our bodies: Increase fat burning Omega 3 fatty acids are a component of cell membranes. They help to increase the fluidity of cell membranes, which means more efficient uptake of nutrients into cells and excretion of wastes out of cells. More efficient cellular function results in an increased rate of fat burning. Perform essential functions The Omega 3 fatty acids have many functions within the body including: being a component of every cell (cell membrane), producing vital chemical messengers in the body called ‘prostaglandins’, which have a variety of functions, being a component of brain tissue and being involved in hormone production. Induce satiety (full feeling) after a meal Fat (including omega 3s) slows the release of food from the stomach to the duodenum, which means you feel satisfied for longer following a meal containing fat compared to a low-fat meal. Fat also stimulate the production of serotonin in the brain, which produces feelings of fullness. Feeling more satisfied between meals means you are likely to eat fewer calories each day, which enhances your weight loss efforts. Regulates blood sugar Since fats/ oils slow the passage of food from the stomach to the duodenum, they slow the absorption rate of any carbohydrates consumed. Accordingly, the slow, sustained release of carbohydrate into the blood stream results in a prolonged flow of energy with minimal insulin response. This means the body has less opportunity to convert carbohydrate into fat. Since there are so many benefits, I highly recommend using omega 3 supplements every day.
|
