Popularly known for their heart health benefits, omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients needed by the body and should be included in every diet. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, lower fat and cholesterol in the bloodstream, prevent obesity, improve the body's response to insulin, help treat cancer and speed up metabolism.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids promote healthy cell membranes that encapsulate cells in the body and provide nutrients to---and remove waste from---those cells. Omega-3 fatty acids also play an important role in the production of prostaglandin, a powerful hormone-like substance that regulates essential physiological functions, such as blood pressure, nerve transmission, inflammatory and allergic responses, kidney and gastrointestinal functions, blood clotting and hormone production.
Food Sources
The best dietary sources for omega-3 fatty acids are flax seeds including flax seed oil, walnuts, salmon and fish oils. However, many vegetables and herbs such as cloves, oregano, cauliflower, cabbage, mustard seeds, broccoli, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, squash, collard greens, spinach, kale and turnip greens are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Cold-water fish and soy products provide another way to consume omega-3 fatty acids. Try eating halibut, shrimp, cod, snapper, tuna, scallops and tofu.
Metabolism
The term metabolism refers to a set of chemical reactions in the body where cells chemically alter dietary fats, carbohydrates and proteins into usable energy.
Omega-3 Speeds Up Metabolism
According to the June 2009 issue of Women's Health and the National Institutes of Health, omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that trigger "I'm full" signals to the brain and help quash hunger signals. Additionally, a study by William S. Harris and The Lipid and Arteriosclerosis Prevention Clinic, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City revealed that fish oils, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can influence metabolism. Further, regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids reduces an individual's risk for becoming obese and stimulates the secretion of leptin, a hormone that helps regulate metabolism, according to the World's Healthiest Foods by George Mateljan.
Other Considerations
Vitamins B6, B3 and C help the body absorb and utilize omega-3 fatty acids. However, saturated fats and partially hydrogenated fats---such as those found in processed foods---can inhibit and impair the body's ability to utilize omega-3 fatty acids.
Tags: omega-3 fatty, fatty acids, fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils, Omega-3 fatty
