We’ve been talking about the H.O.P.E. system, as outlined by Advanced Naturals, supplier of high-quality and natural supplements. This post is focused on Omega-3 oils.
H.O.P.E. stands for:
- High Fiber
- Omega-3 Oils
- Probiotics
- Enzymes
Omega-3 fatty acids help protect your brain and your body. While it may be a surprise to some people that fat can be good, there is a reason and an important distinction: good fats are great for gastrointestinal health and NOT all fats are good fats.
Perhaps you’ve heard the saying “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” This is definitely NOT the case when it comes to dietary fat. All fats are NOT created equal!
How do you know which fats are good and which are bad? If you feel like you can’t keep up with the news and research, you are not alone. Research on health and nutrition is an ongoing process, and it is true that we learn new things all the time.
The conclusion that seems to be shared among most health institutions and providers is that all fat doesn’t deserve a bad reputation. Low-fat diets and low-fat foods were touted as a healthier choice and a way to lose weight. We now know that removing too much fat from our diets can cause health problems. We need fat to function.
Fats are critical for so many functions in our body, including:
- Satisfying our appetite and helping prevent overeating
- Acting as a building block for every cell membrane in the body
- Keeping energy consistent and preventing blood sugar crashes
- Contributing to healthy liver function and hormone production
- Helping absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals that help keep our bones strong and our arteries clear
- Regulating, metabolizing, and assimilating protein – that’s why they’re together in nature!
- Protecting our organs and joints
- Managing inflammation
- Making food taste great!
- Supporting a healthy immune system
How do you know which fats are better than others? As a general rule, steer clear of all trans fats and saturated fats. Monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and Omega-3s are regarded as healthier. Of all the good fats, Omega-3 Oils are especially excellent for promoting gastrointestinal health. Omega-3 oils support the structure and function of all your cells, and also help lubricate the colon. There are essential fatty acids from fish oils that have concentrated Omega-3s that support cardiovascular and nervous system health, as well as supporting the body’s inflammation response. A lack of Omega-3s can actually be harmful to your health, according to Dr. Josh Axe. Signs that may indicate insufficient levels of Omega-3s include inflammation, digestive disorders, joint and muscle pain, and cognitive decline, among others.
What are the best sources of Omega-3 oils? There is a large variety of foods containing Omega Oils, including:
- Flax seeds
- Edamame
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Pine nuts
- Hemp seeds
- Salmon
- Herring
- Rainbow trout
- Tuna
- Navy beans
- Pharmaceutical grade supplements
Dietary and lifestyle changes can go a long way towards improving your overall health and well-being. If you’ve been suffering from any digestive problems lately, increasing your intake of Omega-3s along with probiotics, enzymes, and increased fiber, might help. A colonic might help, too!