Fats are necessary in our food and body, but not all are equal, and not offer us the same
Is there a specific type, which we call essential fats, and the term is used simply because our body can not synthesize them and can only get it through the foods we consume, ie the diet we take.
The omega 3 essential fats form part of and has a very important role, besides being very beneficial to health.
Properties of Omega 3
For starters, omega 3 is essential for the correct development of the nervous system and eye of the fetus; moreover, plays a key role in the cognitive development of children.
Therefore it is imperative that a diet with adequate amounts of omega 3 during pregnancy, lactation and infancy. Evidence of this is that breast milk itself is rich in omega 3.
But if this fat is famous for something, no doubt is for its protective role in dealing with cardiovascular diseases.
Its consumption helps reduce triglyceride levels and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL), besides having vasodilator effect, which causes the risk of thrombosis and, thus, cardiovascular accidents, decrease.
And the level of the circulatory system, can increase the elasticity of artery walls, preventing hypertension.
Foods that contain omega 3
The main source of omega 3 is in deep-water fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, mackerel, herring, tilapia, snapper, cod etc, besides the clams. But it is noteworthy that these fish should be natural and not in captivity.
The importance of omega 3 was discovered thanks to a study that determined that the incidence of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases was lower in Eskimos than in the rest of the groups of people, and the staple diet of the Eskimos is that kind of fish.
In the vegetable world, the nuts have a considerable amount of omega 3 as well as the seeds of pumpkin, flax, hemp, among others, and sunflower oils, corn, primrose etc..
If we insert in our food crappie supra, 2 or 3 times a week, our need for omega 3 will be remedied; for people who do not like fish or consume little, it is necessary to seek other sources, especially if you go through the steps already mentioned (pregnancy, lactation and infancy).
Currently, many foods marketed, such as milk, cheese, margarine etc., take omega 3 supplements into your composition.
Therefore, be sure to check the references of nutritional products that consume and know what you have to offer.