Here’s the scoop; I am VERY passionate about Omega oils. Adding extra Omegas to my diet over 35 years ago was a huge part of why I was able to kick PMS and better manage my then depression. Now, I don’t miss a day so that my older skin stays hydrated, my brain works well and my joints don’t ache.
Let’s backtrack to my first pregnancy. I stopped taking Omegas due to lack of funds and had honestly forgotten how much they’d helped me. (You know how it is, when you feel good, you forget how bad you once felt.) Let’s face it, had I known, I would have found the money for them. They aren’t going to break the bank.
I later learned I could have avoided the severity of my postpartum depression had I continued taking a high quality Omega blend throughout my pregnancy but especially in the third trimester. The final trimester is when the brain develops the most. My precious baby girl had taken from my stored supply to build her beautiful brain leaving me depleted, tipping the scale for full blown postpartum depression.
What are Omegas?
Omegas are essential fatty acids our bodies require for minimal functioning. They can be ALA, EPA, DHA, short and long chain and often have a number after it like 3, 5, 6, 7, & 9. We mainly hear about Omega 3s because they are the most researched but all Omegas are all necessary for optimal cell functioning. I won’t get into the specific differences here, but I do include a short video at the end.
Considering that every single cell in our body has a fatty acid layer, you can see why Omegas are so, well, essential. But who wants to function minimally? Don’t we all want optimal health?
What plenty of Omegas do for us…(no you can’t overdose on Omegas)
- Protect the brain (helps to prevent Alzheimer’s, dementia, improves cognitive function)
- Helps prevent the blood from getting too sticky (sticky blood leads to unhelpful clotting)
- Healthier hair, skin, nails and bones
- Lowers inflammation (reduces arthritis, joint pain)
- Healthy development for baby’s brain (especially in the 3rd trimester)
- Supports mental health (can reduce or prevent depression and ADHD)
- Supports heart health and the entire cardiovascular system
- Maintains healthy eyes
- Lubricates the inside of the body
(this list isn’t exhaustive.)
‘Give me more of the above,’ you say?
Absolutely!
Ideally, our nutrients, including Omega oils will come from our food.
Why food and not ‘only’ a supplement? This is my soapbox so I will shout it out again. 😉 When we consume our vitamins, minerals and omegas from foods, they are being metabolized as a whole food, not as a manufactured multivitamin or isolated nutrient that may have been chemically altered in order to extract it out. Plus, with whole food you are also getting everything else that nature intended for additional synergy.
For example, ONE single apple has over 10,000 phytochemicals, including anti-aging polyphenols, not just vitamin C and E. Simply taking a fiber pill and multivitamin containing just 20 of those phytochemicals can’t replicate what amazing things a whole apple can do for the body.
Rich food sources of Omega’s (We need more than just Omega 3 from fish oil!)
- Flax seeds/oil
- Hempseeds/oil
- Nuts – Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, Brazil
- Chia seeds
- Salmon
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Soybeans
- Olive oil
- Eggs
- Avocados
Because we can only eat so many nuts and seeds and fish can be contaminated with mercury, microplastics and other toxins, I add in a full spectrum plant based, vegan Omega blend every single day.
In fact, I take double the dose because I’m of a ‘certain age’ (55 now) and I am concerned about keeping my brain as flexible and as healthy as possible. These Omegas are what I love and have used for the past 6 years. It’s a capsule filled with a full spectrum of the most gorgeous, vibrant orange Omegas 3, 5, 6, 7 & 9 all from plants and ZERO fish taste because they aren’t from fish. The Omega 3s in these capsules come from algae where the fish get their Omega 3 from.
Check your research on what you take and make sure it has some kind of 3rd party certification. If you need help, read what I wrote on how to check your supplements for safety and effectiveness. Also, if you or someone you know is pregnant, Omega 3 from fish oil may not be the best choice due to high levels of mercury and microplastics. The Juice Plus Omegas are 100% safe and effective for all ages and stages of life.
Learn a bit more about ALA, EPA and DHA Omega oils in this one minute video.
I ‘eat’ my Juice Plus Omega capsules by biting them. I’ll either chew or spit out the softened shell. Ok, maybe I’m weird but I love the fun pop they make! How do you eat your essential Omegas?