Only 5% of Americans have Optimal Omega-3 Levels
Posted: March 30, 2018 | By: Rocio Ramos
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid (EFA)
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid (EFA) and one of the 90 Essential Nutrients recommended by Dr Wallach for optimal health. It’s essential because it’s needed for a wide-range of functions in the body and must be consumed in one’s diet. Omega-3 plays a vital role in brain function, normal growth and development, and helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, Omega-3 helps reduce inflammation; which helps lower ones risk for a variety of chronic diseases. In a country where so many individuals suffer from heart disease, cancer, arthritism consuming Omega-3 is becoming more and more vital.
Americans are suffering from Low Omega-3 Levels
Recently, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, found that 95.7% of a nationally-representative sample of Americans have sub-optimal levels of Omega-3s.[1] The real concern here is that Americans are consuming extremely high levels of Omega-6 (polyunsaturated fatty acids) from unhealthy food sources such as vegetable oils. Although we need Omega-6 in our diets, as it is essential for a variety of functions, high levels of Omega-6 from unhealthy food sources are pro-inflammatory and can wreak havoc on your health.
A healthy 1:1 or even 2:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega 3 would be idea. However, for 95% of Americans, this is simply not the case. Today’s modern diet ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is close to 20:1; meaning inflammation is highly elevated in most American diets. Consuming a diet from healthy sources of Omega 3 and Omega 6 is essential for optimal health.
Below are a few examples of ideal Omega-6 and Omega-3 food sources:
Omega-6: Avocados, nuts & seeds, eggs, grass-fed meat (including chicken and pork) and coconut oil.
Omega-3: Fish (wild-caught), fish oil, nuts, eggs, flaxseed, and other marine sources.
The Omega-6s that most Americans are consuming aren’t coming from healthy food sources. Below are a few examples of daily omega-6 consumption.
Unhealthy Omega-6: Vegetable oils (corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, safflower oil, etc.), salad dressings and mayonnaise, packaged snacks (chips, popcorn, food bars), fast-food (especially French fries), sweets (cookies, candies, pastries, cake, etc.).
Improve Your Omega-3 Levels to Support Cardiovascular Health
The current low levels of Omega-3 are putting many individuals at risk for a variety of chronic disease; the most prevalent being cardiovascular disease. It’s going to take more than just a few salmon filets and eggs to fix the current suboptimal Omega-3 level; supplementation is necessary. Our new ProCardio FX™ contains 1000 mg of Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) plus 10 other essential nutrients to support cardiovascular health. While you are consuming healthy EFAs through supplements, you also want to make necessary dietary changes and keep your Omega-6 intake low. Consuming Omega-3 supplements, while continuing to eat unhealthy foods high in Omega-6, will do nothing to benefit your health. Be sure you’re making all the necessary changes to live a long and healthy life.
Remember, prevention is the key!
[1] http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Ingredients/Omega-3s-Nutritional-oils/Vast-majority-of-Americans-have-low-Omega-3-Index
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