Fish Oil in Your Diet
Today, we are met with the challenge of choosing between convenience and quality. Do we stop and grab food at a fast-food restaurant on our way to dropping the kids off at soccer practice? Or do we meal plan for the week and devote 1 to 2 hours every night to cooking nutritious meals? The truth of the matter is that it’s hard to fit in nutrition and make sure our bodies are getting the right quantities of the vitamins and minerals it needs. That’s where dietary supplements come in! One dietary supplement, in particular, fish oil, can have major health benefits. Here is how fish oil in your diet can improve your health as well as combat several other health conditions.
What is Fish Oil?
According to the Mayo Clinic, fish oil holds omega-3 fatty acids, a dietary necessity for many functions such as cell growth. Our body does not naturally produce omega-3 fatty acids and therefore, we need to get the nutrients from our foods. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, and trout contain omega-3 fatty acids. When we don’t consume fatty fish on a regular basis, fish oil supplements are available for us to add those nutrients to our bodies.
Is Fish Oil Safe?
There is still heavy research on the benefits and uses of fish oil as a dietary supplement. Supplements of any kind should be used alongside a balanced diet and should never replace actual nutrients derived from food. However, because the typical American diet does not usually consist of high levels of Omega-3, supplements are a great source of that nutrient. Before making any changes to your diet, be sure to consult with your doctor.
Other Ways to get Omega-3s
The taste and texture of fish are not for everyone. A lot of people do not like the taste and therefore, avoid fish in their daily diet. There are other ways to up your Omega-3s naturally instead of taking fish oil supplements. Omega-3s can be found in flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and canola oil.
Eating a balanced diet is the best source of nutrients. When working to achieve your health goals, substitutions and short cuts are not recommended. Remember, vitamins and dietary supplements are to be used alongside your diet, not in place of. Fish oil and other supplements are great tools when used correctly! Make sure you talk with your doctor about how supplements can improve your body’s health!
Have questions about how your diet affects your body? Make an appointment today with a CCMH provider. Search for one in our directory found here: ccmhhealth.com/providers.
Resources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fish-oil-friend-or-foe-201307126467
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-fish-oil/art-20364810
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