Posts tagged diet

There are two “essential fats” that our body absolutely must get from the diet, as our body is unable to manufacture them – omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. The typical Westerner diet is literally swimming in omega 6. It is everywhere: Grains, nuts and seeds, meat and poultry (especially grain-fed), and vegetable oils like soy oil, canola oil, corn oil, grape seed oil, sunflower oil (all dysfunctional oils), etc. Omega 3 fatty acids are another story however, unless you eat fish three to four times a week. And unfortunately due to the high mercury, cadmium, other heavy metal, PCB levels in fish these days, it is hard to recommend eating fish that frequently, unless the fish you choose to eat are very small, like sardines, mackerel and anchovies or Wild Alaskan Salmon. Remember that omega 3 fatty acids, just like all polyunsaturated oils, are very very fragile. They are sensitive to heat and light, so they should be kept in a dark bottle and in the fridge. Often an antioxidant like a mixed vitamin E is included in fish oil capsules or liquid to prevent oxidation and rancidity. So watch expiry dates carefully, because consuming rancid fats will cause more bodily harm than good. Omega 3 fatty acids also do wonders for the brain, and are vital for the cognitive and visual development of babies and children, and for preventing cognitive decline in adults. I regard it as my morning medicine that I consume at breakfast. It has been clearly shown to improve peoples moods. There …