Oily fish and omega 3: why they're so important
Why is eating or supplementing oily fish so important?
A Fitty, we're always preaching about Omega 3. And for good reason: it's a essential long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acid found in marine animals and some plant oils. We need it for our bodies to work properly, and because it's 'essential' it means our bodies can't produce it, so we need to get it from our diet. EPA and DHA – found almost exclusively in fish and seafood – are the two most important and researched types of Omega 3. They're considered very beneficial in promoting cardiovascular, brain, joint, nerve, visual, skin and immune health.
As well as having a diet rich in omega 3 foods, we highly recommend supplementing it. We're huge fans of Bare Biology (which is why you'll find them in The Paleo Box) and have been using them daily for over a year. Why do we love them? Because they're the first UK fish oil with 5 star IFOS certification for strength, purity and freshness. We've asked Melanie Lawson, founder of Bare Biology, to tell us more.
Melanie's lowdown on Omega 3.
#1: Omega 3 is vital for a healthy heart
A daily dose of 3000mg is recommended for lowering blood pressure and blood triglycerides.
#2: Omega 3 is central to brain development
It may help slow down age-related memory loss, may alleviate depression and support Autism, ADHD, Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers.
#3: Omega 3 helps learning and can improve behaviour in children
Decreased levels of DHA have been linked to impaired learning and behaviour.
#4: Omega 3 is beneficial for baby and mother
DHA is essential for baby’s brain development and may help prevent post-natal depression.
#5: Omega 3 is key in supporting fitness efforts
It may increase muscle mass and oxygen supply, improve cardio endurance and cognitive performance and reduce joint inflammation and risk of injury.
#6: Omega 3 is crucial to visual and skin health
It can help contribute to healthy function of eye tissue, moisture and tear production. It can also boost internal skin hydration and elasticity and may protect against sun damage and ageing. Think of it like an internal moisturiser.
Keen to try Bare Biology? This makes us very happy! You can find a week's supply of Lion Heart capsules in The Paleo Box, but they also have products for every life stage, including Bump & Glory for pregnancy, Super Hero for children, and new Mindful to support mental health. Stockists include Liberty, Whole Foods and Planet Organic.
