You need omega-3s

By Mike Ventresca, Vital Choice Healthstore

Do you eat fatty fish like salmon or sardines at least three times every week? If not, you are likely not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3s are nutrients that are essential to health—heart health, brain health, digestive health, joint health and immune health. And, unlike other nutrients that your body can manufacture, omega-3s must be consumed in the diet. Bottom line, if you’re not eating fatty fish about three times each week, or regularly consuming vegetarian sources like walnuts, hemp seeds, and chia seeds, you are likely preventing your body from being optimally healthy.

One quick note about vegetarian sources: generally, the omega-3s from fish (DHA and EPA) more directly enhance your health than those from vegetarian sources. For example, the omega-3s found in walnuts must be converted by your body to EPA and DHA to be used. This often isn’t as efficient as it could be.

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If you’re looking for a pure, high-quality fish oil supplement, three brands I really like are Vital Choice Health Store, New Chapter and Nordic Naturals. At Vital Choice, we even offer an enteric coated product that minimizes fish “burp-back,” a common complaint.

For a vegan source of omega-3s, two great products that provide direct vegan sources of EPA and DHA are New Chapter’s Vegan Omega3 and Nordic Natural’s Algae Omega.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.