According to recent statistical research, nearly 99% of people in the United States do not eat enough omega 3 fatty acids. Symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency are very vague and are often misdiagnosed as a different health ailment or nutrient deficiency.  Symptoms can be misleading and often general but range from mild to severe: fatigue, dry/itchy skin, brittle hair and nails, constipation, frequent colds, depression, poor concentration, lack of physical endurance and joint pain. While winter weather seems to give the perfect out for some of these symptoms,  when they occur chronically it’s time to take a look at what else could be causing them.

Fish Oil Supplements are a wonderful source of Omega 3s

When most people hear “omega 3” they immediately think of fish or fish oil; both of these are great sources of good fat and provide an easy method of consumption. There are a variety of fish oils and fish oil supplements that are at the top of the market and are excellent choices to incorporate into your supplement routine.  Imagining your mother or grandmother standing over you with a large spoonful of cod liver oil? Regret taking the supplements due to the “fish burps” that follow?  Don’t let the memory of the spoonful or the threat of the notorious aftertaste scare you away from this powerful supplement with amazing benefits. In life as well as omega 3s, where there’s a will there’s a way.

Benefits of Omega 3s

High omega 3 foods and supplements have numerous health benefits that are often unbelievable. Aside from preventing a wide range of medical problems including Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Alzheimer’s, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Asthma, ADHD and Rheumatoid Arthritis, omega 3s have other benefits. A sample of these include:

•Reduced inflammation throughout the body

•Provides anti-inflammatory effects on joints

•Maintenance of cell membrane fluidity

•Lowered amount of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) circulating in the bloodstream

•Improves blood flow

•Reduces the production of messenger chemicals called cytokines, which are involved in the inflammatory response associated with atherosclerosis

•Reversal of skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema

Go right to the source for Omega 3s with fish!

Seems a simple solution, incorporating a supplement or omega 3 rich foods, into your life to ease a variety of ailments and it is!  While some conditions and symptoms require a higher intake of omega 3s, a panel from The National Institutes of Health stated that the recommended consumption for these healthy fats should be about 2% of your daily caloric intake for a majority of the population. Following this recommendation will allow you to see the benefits of omega 3s and help you assess how you can change your intake to achieve desired results as time goes on.  Below is an excellent resource to gauge intake from omega 3 rich foods from The World’s Healthiest Foods:

With a rating ranging from excellent to good, it should be easy to locate some of your favorites and see how well it stacks up against others. The goal of meeting 2% of your daily caloric intake is much easier when you think about what you are already eating and we hope this chart encourages you to take an active role in assessing the amount of omega 3s you consume daily or weekly. And, here’s a great tip:  by adding flaxseed and fatty fish to your weekly diet you can easily meet the goal.  There is research evidence showing that two servings of non-fried fish per week, especially wild-caught salmon, tuna or halibut, can be enough to significantly increase the level of omega 3 fatty acids in your blood thus allowing you to enjoy the benefits. Adding a teaspoon of ground flax seed to your oatmeal, cereal or smoothie is a great way to get a daily dose of omegas.

Omega 3s in flax, chia and other seeds.

Vegans and vegetarians looking to boost their intake need to rely heavily on borage, flax and other options they find suitable within the chart above, especially nuts.

A word of warning concerning high dietary intake of omega 3 fats, especially from fish: High intake may decrease blood pressure and thin the blood. People taking prescription blood pressure medications or anticoagulants should consult with their physician before taking fish oil supplements in conjunction with a diet rich in fish.

The benefits of omega 3s begin on the cellular level, the most basic of all, and yet overtime benefits are seen from the inside out. Improved function of the body, improved mental and physical function and improved skin can all be possible with the simple addition of a supplement, oil or an increase in omega 3 rich foods.  No matter your age, omegas are beneficial to all.

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Is all fat bad? No! This delicious spread of salmon is full of healthy omega 3s your body needs!

So what kinds of fats should you eat? Omega-3’s from fish oil and grass-fed animals are the most important. These fats make your cell’s run smoothly, keep your brain working sharply, and help control inflammation. Omega-6’s from vegetable sources like coconut help balance Omega-3’s. Omega-9’s from special plants like Borage and Primrose help your body maintain healthy hormone levels. Our company, Kroeger Herbs, manufactures a wonderful Evening Primrose Oil soft gel. We also carry quality fish oil supplements and coconut oils at Hanna’s Herb Shop.

Ready to learn more about good fat and omega 3s?

Achieve your health goals with the assitance of good fats and omega 3s! Find answers to your questions by visiting a recent blog post here! We have outlined healthy ways to get omegas, even if you are a vegetarian or a vegan. A car needs oil to run smoothly and so do our bodies! It’s true, not all fat is bad.

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Herbs to Boost Brain Health, Function and Capacity

Gingko biloba is a powerful herb for brain health!

Fish oil is a wonderful product that provides the body and brain with essential omega-3 fatty acids that have been linked to increased memory functions and other health support for your body.  Fish oil was used recently in a study for patients with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and was found to have positive effects in treating children with the disorder.  Incorporating healthy foods that are high in omega-3’s into your diet is simple and recommended but that is another article.  A supplement every day can be just as beneficial and a lot more convenient.

Ginkgo biloba is another great herb for the mind.  Ginkgo has specifically been known for helping with memory and staying mentally alert which is what many aging persons often experience.  Ginkgo biloba has helped many maintain brain health and memory properties for centuries, so give it a try – it won’t hurt.

Hanna Kroeger developed some effective formulas for brain health.  Her Brain Care Blend is a unique blend of gotu kola, dulse and eyebright.  This has become a favorite among all ages, especially students who need a little extra help concentrating and retaining information when studying for a test.  She also believed in her homeopathic remedies, in this case Brain Storm, is used to keep your brain alert and at its top efficiency.  The Brain Balance Kit is a kit that groups together some of Hanna’s brain health products which were developed as well to provide mental clarity.  Remember these formulas were developed from Hanna who had an extraordinary mind and inexplicable way of healing people.  She must have known how to keep her mind at maximum strength.

Think about adding a daily supplement for a convenient and efficient way to be kind to your mind. Want to learn more about omega 3s and how they can improve your brain function? See a recent blog post here. Omegas and herbs are a natural and powerful part of brain health!

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