Omega-3 fatty acids have a number of health benefits which if consumed regularly can improve your mood, sharpen your memory, relieve joint pain, and decreases inflammation, to name a few. In fact, omega-3’s are a critical part of a healthy diet.
Decrease Depression and Anxiety
There’s nothing like a tiny little addition to your diet that can help you defeat symptoms of depression and anxiety! In fact, regular consumption of foods that contain omega-3’s can be even more effective than traditional antidepressants. Whether you’re struggling with feeling a little bit down or finding yourself struggling with anxiety attacks every time you step out of your comfort zone, omega-3’s might be the solution you’re looking for.
Build Baby’s Brain
When you’re pregnant or have a small child at home, their brain development is critical! You want them to be successful, capable, and smart. Here’s the good news: a diet that contains plenty of omega-3’s can actually make your child smarter, whether they’re getting those nutrients through you or absorbing them through their own diet. High levels of omega-3’s help decrease the risk of ADHD and autism, not to mention decreasing the prevalence of behavior problems later in life.
Build Your Brain
Omega-3’s don’t just reduce mood swings and help control bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They also fight the mental decline that naturally occurs as a result of aging, even in individuals with Alzheimer’s. While omega-3’s might not be the immediate solution to brain fog, regular consumption of foods that contain omega-3’s can help boost your internal computing power and help you feel sharper, smarter, and more capable.
Foods High in Omega-3’s
If you’re sold on the health benefits of omega-3’s, your next question is probably, “How am I supposed to get enough of them?” Though there are several supplements, including fish oils, that can help increase your omega-3 intake, your body is more likely to absorb all those critical nutrients faster if you consume them as actual food. Whole foods are much more likely to offer the easy-to-process nutrients that your body needs. There are several foods that provide a great punch of omega-3’s, including:
- Flax seeds or flax seed oil
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Hemp seeds
- Fish oil
- Note that the oil of seeds that contain omega-3’s often has a higher concentration of the nutrients you need than the seeds themselves.
Adding Them to Your Diet
Chia seeds, flax seeds, and hemp seeds are packed with nutrients but how are you supposed to eat them regularly? One of the most convenient ways to consume them is by adding them to a smoothie! You will get the benefits of omega-3’s along with an excellent source of plant protein.
Boosting your brain power through omega-3 consumption should be a regular part of your daily diet. You don’t have to overdo it: a single tablespoon of omega-3 containing seeds will give you everything you need for the day. Looking for more health benefits associated with smoothies or the best way to add more of them into your diet? Contact us today for more information.