Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Does omega 3 supplements lower cholesterol?

When we think of omega fatty acid supplements, we usually relate it to some sort of pill, but I see a supplement as a superfood that adds value to your health. This being said, I thought I'd share this article about superfoods which have shown to improve cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular disease. Enjoy!

Super foods are foods which contain unusually high levels of two or more nutrients not found in mainstream foods. Including the superfoods mentioned in this article to your daily regime will allow you to live out your life in glowing good health, at least nutritionally.

The first food in this super group is definitely cold-water seafood, specifically salmon, sardines and tuna. These fishes are extremely rich in the fatty acids DHA and EPA Omega 3, which for one thing is essential for optimal brain health.

The brain is about 60% fat. The membranes of neurons, specialized brain cells that form the nucleus for all thought and communication are composed of two layers of fatty acid molecules. Fatty Omegas are used to build and protect neurons, keeping the brain well lubed and running at peak performance, Also, fatty omegas have been shown to control the bad cholesterols in the blood stream, aiding in cardiovascular health.

The next group is nuts, such as hemp, walnuts, peanuts, macadamias and most other nuts. Nuts are loaded with Omega fatty acids as well as phytonutrients, needed for cellular health and metabolism. Just 5 small handfuls of nuts per week, especially hemp seeds, can improve cholesterol levels dramatically. That beats most drugs and it's safer too.

Click here for more info on the benefits of adding hemp hearts to your diet!

The berry family, especially blueberries, are extremely high in vitamins and antioxidants which are essential in controlling free radicals, nasty little compounds that eventually destroy cell walls, contributing to aging and a whole host of illnesses. Berries are also high in water and low in calories, making them a great choice for your waistline.

Whole grains are definitely in the super food category. You've probably heard the old adage that "Bread is the staff of Life"? It's not hard to see why as whole grains are excellent sources of B vitamins as well as E, folic acid, magnesium, iron, fiber and antioxidants, even more so than some fruits and vegetables. Whole wheat, brown rice, wild rice and popcorn, yes popcorn, are good examples of whole grains.

Legumes or beans are nutritional powerhouses in every sense. If you think about it, beans are seeds, containing the genetic code and all of the chemicals and nutrients to produce a plant. To begin with, beans are loaded with high quality protein and amino acids with a low caloric count. Toss in B vitamins, folate, magnesium, potassium and most other trace minerals and large amounts of fiber as well.

Including any or all of these superfoods to your diet will improve your health, body and mind. The alternatives to leading a healthier lifestyle are readily available and the final choice as to whether or not they are to be utilized rest entirely with yourself.


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