Why You Need Fatty Acids in Your Life
You may have heard of omega-3 supplements before and been struck by the name. What makes them the “omega” supplements that you should include in your daily supplement routine? These important fatty acids have earned their name because of all the important roles they play in your body.
While many people try to avoid fats in their diet, omega fatty acids are important nutrients you may be missing. Fatty acids are essential to your health. They are important nutrients to help you grow up healthy and live a healthy life for longer.
In this article, you will learn and discover what fatty acids are, how they are beneficial, and where you can find them.
Table of Contents
What Are Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are a fundamental building block in your cells. They are an important nutrient that is needed in many systems throughout your body. Getting regular fatty acids is essential to your health. It can help prevent diseases such as cancer and Alzheimers that are caused by the breakdown of your body’s normal functions.
While there are many fatty acids, not all fatty acids are the same. You may have heard of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids but you need a broad spectrum of fatty acids to maintain your health.
Omega 3 fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are all required but they are not the only fatty acids.
There are many sources for these dietary fatty acids but most of these sources come from fish. Most people do not get enough fatty acids in their diet. To stay healthy, doctors recommend that you take a supplement regimen that includes healthy fatty acids to ensure you are getting your daily requirements met.
Fatty Acids for Babies
Clinical studies have shown that DHA for babies helps support…
- certain learning outcomes
- visual acuity
- overall brain development in babies
DHA is found in breast milk and is important both in utero and after birth, which are reasons why this nutrient can also be found in prenatal supplements and some baby formulas.
Aging and Fatty Acids
As you get older your body needs more protection to prevent signs of aging. For many people, memory problems can be early warning signs that they are getting older. Your memory can last longer with the protection that omega fatty acids provide for your brain.
Omega fatty acids help prevent or slow cognitive decline as you age. People who take omega fatty acids are less likely to develop diseases like Alzheimer’s. Also, people who consume healthy fatty acids are less likely to experience dementia in their old age.
Your brain needs omega fatty acids to be healthy but many people are lacking in daily omega fatty acid consumption. To protect your brain and slow down the signs of aging, supplementation is key to achieving the right balance of healthy fats.
Ways To Get More Fatty Acids
While you can get Omega fatty acids from fish products, many people choose not to eat animal products in their diets. As a result, people who do not eat fish may not get enough key fatty acids.
There are some plant-based sources of important DHA fatty acids. However, it can be hard to get a broad spectrum of omega fatty acids without eating meat.
The average adult needs at least 1.6 grams of ALA but it is also necessary to get at least 250mg of DHA and at least 250mg of EPA every day. There are benefits to having more fatty acids in your diet and supplement regimen to get the best possible mix of these essential nutrients.
Making sure you are getting enough of each nutrient across the spectrum of fatty acid can have long-term health benefits.
For people looking for a plant-based alternative to provide their essential fatty acids, the best companies are moving towards new sources of omega fatty acids. Quality fatty acid supplements provide plant-based alternatives to normally animal-based fatty acid supplements. These help your body stay healthier as you naturally age.
Fatty acids help the heart, brain, and body maintain their daily functions. By taking necessary precautions and supplementing your diet, fatty acids can prevent the avoidable and keep you feeling better as you live your active lifestyle.