Essential Fatty Acids For Health

Posted on Dec 21, 2021


Your body benefits from essential fatty acids. The two primary essential fatty acids are popularly known as omega-6 and omega-3. Your body doesn’t produce them on its own, so you have to eat certain foods to get them.

So what should you eat in order to get essential fatty acids into your body? For omega-3’s, green foods are great, such as kale, collards, chard, parsley, etc. Dark green veggies as well as cereal grasses (wheat/barley) will provide your body with omega-3’s. You can also get them from flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, soybeans and tofu. As for omega 6’s, you can consume nuts, seeds, grains, legumes and dairy.

How do they help your body? Essential fatty acids help your body form healthy cell membranes as well as regulate blood pressure, liver function, immune/inflammatory responses, blood clotting, etc. They also help with proper thyroid and adrenal activity and the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. As if that’s not enough, they also support healthy skin and hair, help breakdown cholesterol, and help with hormone production. No wonder they’re called essential, right?

Related to the idea of essential fatty acids are the terms “saturated” and “unsaturated” fat. Saturated fats have no double bonds in their chemical structure and are a solid consistency at room temperature. You’d find them in animal meats like beef and pork, as well as plant oils, dairy products (cheese, butter), processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, sausages), and pre-packaged snacks such as chips, cookies and pastries. Ideally, limit these foods to 5% or less of your daily caloric intake so you don’t overdo it on saturated fat. If you consume too much saturated fat over time, you might end up with heart disease. Unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds in their chemical structure and they’re typically liquid at room temperature. You can get unsaturated fat from nuts, salmon, tuna, olives and avocados. Unsaturated fat is considered “good” for you, so eat some of the aforementioned foods in your diet to improve your overall health.

It can be challenging to figure out what to eat and what to avoid, but the general rule is that natural foods are better for your body than pre-packaged foods that may have added sugar, salt and/or fat in them.

Submit a Comment

Lakewoods Chiropractic
Lakewoods Chiropractic
385 Google reviews
SALLY DETLEFSEN
SALLY DETLEFSEN
September 26, 2022.
I am amazed at how much better I feel since coming to Lakewoods. The doctors and staff are amazing.
Lukas Drayna
Lukas Drayna
September 21, 2022.
Great friendly staff. They focus on the target area’s to ensure your body is happy and healthy !
Michael F.
Michael F.
September 13, 2022.
Lakewoods Chiropractic is awesome. Friendly, welcoming, and professional Environment. They make you feel comfortable. Definitely recommend Lakewoods. I'm well on the road to recovery. Keep up the good work.
tone2403
tone2403
August 30, 2022.
Definitely recommend Lakewoods. When I went in I was in very rough shape. After a few weeks of adjustments I'm feeling better then ever. Great staff and very knowledgeable. They take the time to really make you understand the process.
Eric Russell
Eric Russell
August 25, 2022.
Jason and his staff are the best. Since my 1st visit, they always informed on your progress and had your health as #1 priority.
Angel L Colon Jr
Angel L Colon Jr
August 11, 2022.
Excellent service, friendly accommodating staff. Awesome family friendly services. Highly recommend!!!
Carrie Davis
Carrie Davis
August 3, 2022.
By far the best chiropractor I’ve ever used. They customize a plan just for you and don’t use a one size fits all approach. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!! Thank you!!!
Justin W
Justin W
July 28, 2022.
Great place!
Jennifer Thelen
Jennifer Thelen
July 21, 2022.
I have been experiencing low back pain for at least 10 rememberable years and decided on a whim to try chiropractic care at Lakewoods. I had never been to a chiropractor before so I had no expectations that it would work or not but after just my first adjustment I had instant relief for the first time in 10 years. I have since been super impressed with how everything has been explained to me and how my care plan has been formed. The staff are all very kind and have been very helpful as well!