A MISSING omega-3 source?
I’ve talked about omega-3 fatty acids A LOT in eAlert… especially when it comes to how they benefit your HEART.
The gold standard for most folks getting their omega-3s usually comes from eating fish or taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement.
But what if you’re not a seafood-lover… or have trouble sticking to a consistent supplement regimen?
Well, my friend, science has thrown us another bone…
Because there’s an omega-3 source you probably don’t know about. And it can do WONDERS for your heart.
And the best part? It doesn’t involve a single piece of fish!
Salmon is synonymous with omega-3s. But according to researchers from Penn State, you can also get heart-healthy omega-3s from PLANTS.
Their study found that eating alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based version of omega-3, can protect your heart and reduce your risk of heart disease.
In fact, the study found that eating ALA from various plant-based foods like walnuts and flaxseeds contributed to:
- A 10% decline in cardiovascular disease risk
- A 20% lowered risk of fatal coronary heart disease
The study also found that eating ALA-rich foods—in addition to ‘traditional’ sources of omega-3s—could benefit your overall heart health.
In other words, whether it’s a handful of walnuts or a plate of salmon… you can’t have ‘too many’ omega-3s.
I love eating walnuts, and often use the crushed variety as a topping for salads (even a refreshing salmon salad—for an extra boost of omega-3s).
If you have heart disease—or are working to better your heart health—be sure to talk to you doctor about the best approach for incorporating ALA (and all omega-3s) into your diet.
To the benefits of ALL omega-3s,
Sarah Reagan
PS – Speaking of “forgotten” nutrients, check out this afternoon’s eAlert. I’ll be highlighting a little-known vitamin that can banish some of the worst arthritis pain.
Sources:
Anderer, John. “No seafood or supplements: Walnuts and plant-based omega-3s can also boost heart health.” https://www.studyfinds.org/walnuts-plant-based-omega-3/
